A decision regarding whether a member of the rap group Kneecap will face trial for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a London performance last year has been delayed.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, greeted by a sizable gathering of supporters, many bearing Palestinian flags.
The 27-year-old, known professionally as Mo Chara, denies the charge, asserting that the case is “political” and an attempt to silence Kneecap.
Speaking to the crowd after the hearing, he stated that the case was a “distraction” from the events in Gaza.
“We know this story is more than just about me and more than Kneecap – this is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story,” he added.
The chief magistrate announced that he would deliver a decision on whether Mr. Ó hAnnaidh would stand trial on September 26.
Mr. Ó hAnnaidh confirmed his name, date of birth, and address to the court at the commencement of proceedings, sitting alongside an Irish language interpreter.
The court heard three hours of legal arguments focusing on whether the charge was brought within the stipulated six-month time limit.
His defense team is seeking to have the case dismissed, citing a technicality in the manner in which the charge was levied.
Brenda Campbell KC argued that the Attorney General had not granted permission for the case to proceed when police informed Mr. Ó hAnnaidh on May 21 that he would face a terror charge.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove countered that such permission was not required until the defendant’s initial court appearance.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring stated that he would issue a ruling on the matter in the coming weeks.
The case was adjourned, and the defendant was released on continuing unconditional bail.
He has been on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.
Upon the rapper’s arrival at court, a large crowd congregated outside, with supporters displaying signs reading “Free Mo Chara” and waving Palestinian and Irish flags.
Band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), along with the band’s manager, accompanied him.
On Tuesday evening, the Metropolitan Police announced that 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 stated in a post on social media, referencing a map delineating a designated area outside the court.
In a social media post, the band stated that the “police action is designed to try to portray support for Kneecap as somehow troublesome.”
They thanked their supporters and urged them to comply “with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful.”
Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have faced controversy due to their provocative lyrics and merchandise.
The group was established in 2017 by three musicians using the stage names Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí.
Their rise to prominence inspired a semi-fictionalized film featuring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
In April, the group drew criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at the US music festival Coachella.
In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.
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