Rock icon Paul Weller was among the hundreds of protesters who gathered outside the court in London to support Kneecap star Mo Chara, who is facing the terrorism charge
Rockstar Paul Weller rocked up to court to support Kneecap after a member of the rap trio was charged with a terror offence.
Kneecap member Mo Chara, real name Liam Og O hAnnaidh, has been charged by the Met Police with allegedly supporting a terrorist organisation. The Irish musician, 27, has been accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year.
O hAnnaidh and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (June 18). Rockstar Paul Weller was also seen showing his support for the rap trio among the masses.
A crowd surged around the entrance of the court as the band went inside, with some managing to reach the court lobby before the hearing took place, trying to get close to the Belfast trio.
During the brief hearing, O hAnnaidh spoke briefly to confirm his identity. He was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.
The court heard the 27-year-old is “well within his rights” to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a “wholly different thing”.
The charges were brought against the musician, from Belfast, last month after counter-terror officers assessed a clip reported to be from a Kneecap gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town on November 21. Kneecap claim they have never supported Hezbollah or Hamas and on social media wrote: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
After the hearing, the musician exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags and playing drums. One supporter even set off a smoke canister.
During the hearing, the allegations against O hAnnaidh were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: “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.”
Outside court following the hearing, O hAnnaidh’s bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the huge crowds in chants of “Free Palestine”. Mr O Caireallain said: “For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.
“If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC. We’ll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine.”
A lawyer for the band said the group will “always stand up for freedom of expression”. They added: “They will defend not only their rights, but the rights of artists and people all around the world.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
