Supporters of the Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have gathered outside a court in London where one of the rappers is appearing on a terror charge.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, is accused of displaying a flag 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).
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
The group arrived at court on Wednesday wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
Fans outside the court have placards saying “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap”.
Large green flags saying “Free Speech, Free Palestine” are also on display.
A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara”.
Kneecap said it had “plastered” London with messages of support for its band member.
The trio received controversy after footage resurfaced of them allegedly saying “Up Hezbollah, Up Hamas“ as well as saying “The only good Tory is a dead Tory. Kill your local MP.”.
