A member of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap has been released on unconditional bail following a London court appearance on terrorism charges.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, performing under the stage name Mo Chara, is accused of displaying a flag supporting the proscribed organization Hezbollah at a London concert. The 27-year-old appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court alongside bandmates Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).
Supporters applauded outside the court following Wednesday’s hearing. Mr. Ó hAnnaidh’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 20th, a date Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring emphasized he must attend. The courtroom’s capacity was exceeded, requiring additional seating for journalists.
In a May social media statement, Kneecap declared, “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.” Band members arrived at court wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts, met by a sizable crowd of musicians, supporters, and activists. Large “Free Speech, Free Palestine” flags were displayed alongside Palestinian and Kneecap flags. Cheers erupted when a van passed bearing the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara,” a pointed alteration of a discriminatory phrase from 1950s UK boarding houses.
Kneecap stated they had widely publicized their support for their bandmate in London. The Irish-speaking rap trio, known for controversial lyrics and merchandise, formed in 2017. Their success inspired a semi-fictionalised film featuring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender, which won a British Academy of Film Award (BAFTA) in February 2025. The group faced criticism in April for Gaza war messages at Coachella and in November 2024, won a legal challenge against the UK government over a withdrawn arts grant.
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