**Crowd Gathers in Turmoil Outside Court as Kneecap Rapper Faces Terror-Related Charge**
Tension ran high outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, as large numbers of supporters assembled during the initial court appearance of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, best known as ‘Mo Chara’ of the Belfast-based rap trio Kneecap. The 27-year-old faces a charge stemming from an alleged act of supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation, escalating an already heated debate over artistic expression and political demonstration.
Ó hAnnaidh is accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, last November. The incident, captured on video, is alleged to have shown the performer both displaying the flag and voicing slogans interpreted as endorsement for both Hamas and Hezbollah—organisations designated as terrorist groups under UK law.
The court hearing drew a substantial crowd, with hundreds turning up early in the morning, holding placards emblazoned with messages such as “Free Mo Chara” and frequently breaking into chants supporting the Palestinian cause. Witnesses described a scene that grew increasingly unruly as the morning progressed, with police erecting barriers in attempts to manage the throng and eventually intervening to remove counter-protestors from the vicinity. Reports from those present also confirm that a smoke canister was set off outside the courthouse, adding further disorder to the proceedings.
Inside the courtroom, security was visibly increased, reflecting concerns about the intensity of feeling surrounding the case. Ó hAnnaidh, dressed in a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, made only a brief statement to confirm his identity during the short session. His legal team asserted that his public support for Palestine and criticism of Israel are within his rights; however, prosecutors argued the case at hand is centred solely on the alleged public display of the Hezbollah flag and vocal support for the group.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove clarified the charges, stating: “This case is not concerned with Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s right to criticise Israel nor his solidarity with Palestinians. The prosecution’s position is that it addresses the specific act of using the Hezbollah flag at a public event while making remarks suggesting support for a proscribed terrorist organisation.” Bisgrove further emphasised that the legal issue arises not from general political speech, but from an act seen by authorities as advocacy for a banned group.
Ó hAnnaidh was accompanied to court by bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), a detail that did not go unnoticed by supporters. The trio, who have cultivated a reputation for their outspoken political views and energetic performances, are scheduled to play major music festivals this summer, including Glastonbury and Green Man, giving the case heightened public visibility.
Following the brief hearing, the rapper was released on unconditional bail, with the case set to return to court on 20 August for further proceedings. Legal analysts note that cases of this nature have the potential to set precedents regarding the intersection of performance art, political expression, and counter-terrorism legislation in the UK.
Public reaction to the charges has been deeply polarised. Supporters outside the courthouse decried the prosecution as an attack on free speech and artistic expression, while opponents argued that the display of symbols associated with terrorist groups presents serious societal risks, regardless of context.
Wednesday’s scenes underscore the ongoing friction in the UK over speech rights, international conflict, and terrorism, and hint at a trial that will be followed with keen interest both by legal experts and the wider public.
As the legal process unfolds, many will be watching not only for the outcome of Ó hAnnaidh’s individual case, but also for broader implications for artists, activists and campaigners operating around sensitive political issues in contemporary Britain.