Kneecap rapper arrives in court over terror charge

A member of rap group Kneecap is appearing in court in London for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a London gig last year.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was surrounded by photographers as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denies the charge and claims the case is “political” and intended to silence Kneecap.

It was brought after the Metropolitan Police studied video footage.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh has been on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.

A large crowd has gathered outside court, with supporters holding signs which read “Free Mo Chara” while others waved Palestine and Irish flags before the rapper’s arrival.

Band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh). and the band’s manager accompanied him.

On Tuesday evening, the Metropolitan Police said they “imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest” outside the court.

Any protest in support of Mr Ó hAnnaidh and “aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area” they said in a post on social media.