A member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap has appeared in courtroom in London after being charged with a terror offence – as tons of of protesters gathered outdoors.
Liam O’Hanna, or Liam Og O hAnnaidh, is accused of displaying a flag in help of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation within the UK, at a gig final yr.
The cost in opposition to the 27-year-old, from Belfast, was introduced final month after counter-terror officers assessed a video reported to be from a Kneecap live performance on the O2 Discussion board in Kentish City, London, on 21 November 2024.
O’Hanna arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Courtroom on Wednesday with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, as a crowd of followers and supporters gathered with placards and flags outdoors.
Throughout a brief look, O’Hanna confirmed his identify and tackle, and was launched on unconditional bail till his subsequent listening to on 20 August.
Chief Justice of the Peace Paul Goldspring instructed him he should attend courtroom on that day.
Picture:
O’Hanna (centre) arrived at courtroom together with his bandmates, together with Naoise O Caireallain (beneath). Pics: PA
Kneecap launched their first single in 2017 and rose to wider prominence in 2024 following the discharge of their debut album and award-winning eponymous movie – a fictionalised retelling of how the band got here collectively and their battle to avoid wasting the Irish language.
The group are recognized for his or her provocative lyrics and merchandise – and have been vocally against Israel’s army motion in Gaza.
O’Hanna performs below the stage identify Mo Chara, whereas O Caireallain is named Moglai Bap, and O Dochartaigh as DJ Provai.
They’ve constructed a following for his or her hedonistic anti-establishment tracks, however their outspoken stance has proved polarising – prompting a surge in streaming for his or her songs and, on the similar time, leading to a number of of their gigs being cancelled this yr.
Final yr, they received a discrimination case in opposition to the UK authorities after Conservative chief Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was enterprise secretary.
Please refresh the web page for the most recent model.
