A rapper from the Irish language group Kneecap has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on a terror charge.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, is accused of displaying a flag that was allegedly in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).
Supporters of the group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.
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 asked whether or not Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh needed an Irish interpreter to be present in court.
The chief magistrate said: “We were going to have one today, but I will be blunt. We couldn’t find one.”
The court room was full and court staff had to bring in additional seats for journalists.
Inside the court were representatives of the Irish language lobby and Sinn Féin MPs John Finucane and Paul Maskey.
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
