Mo Chara, member of Irish language rap group Kneecap, has appeared in court over a terrorism offence after being accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at gig last year
The lead singer of Irish language rap group Kneecap was bailed today (June 18) after appearing in court accused of a terrorism offence.
Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London gig in November last year.
He arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on 20 August.
The chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day.
He received a round of applause outside the courtroom after the short hearing.
The musician was charged following the alleged incident during a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, North London.
Summarising the allegations against O hAnnaidh, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court: “It’s not about Mr O hAnnaidh’s support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.
“He’s well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else.
“The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah’.
“Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.
“So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation.”
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
