Kneecap rapper appears in court on terror charge as protesters gather outside

A member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap has appeared in court in London after being charged with a terror offence – as hundreds of protesters gathered outside.

Liam O’Hanna, or Liam Og O hAnnaidh, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in the UK, at a gig last year.

The charge against the 27-year-old, from Belfast, was brought last month after counter-terror officers assessed a video reported to be from a Kneecap concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November 2024.

O’Hanna arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh, as a crowd of fans and supporters gathered with placards and flags outside.

During a short appearance, O’Hanna confirmed his name and address, and was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing on 20 August.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day.

Kneecap released their first single in 2017 and rose to wider prominence in 2024 following the release of their debut album and award-winning eponymous film – a fictionalised retelling of how the band came together and their fight to save the Irish language.

The group are known for their provocative lyrics and merchandise, and have been vocally opposed to Israel’s military action in Gaza.

O’Hanna performs under the stage name Mo Chara, while O Caireallain is known as Moglai Bap, and O Dochartaigh as DJ Provai.

They have built a following for their hedonistic anti-establishment tracks, but their outspoken stance has proved polarising, prompting a surge in streaming for their songs and, at the same time, resulting in several of their gigs being cancelled this year.

Last year, they won a discrimination case against the UK government after Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch tried to refuse them a £14,250 funding award when she was business secretary.