Kneecap's Mo Chara granted unconditional bail following court appearance over terrorism charge
Hundreds of supporters gathered at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning to protest the charge
Kneecap's Mo Chara has been granted unconditional bail following a hearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court this morning (June 18).
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside the court ahead of the hearing, chanting "Free Mo Chara" as the Belfast-born rapper arrived alongside bandmates Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged with a terror offence by the Metropolitan Police last month after a video resurfaced allegedly showing him flying a Hezbollah flag during a gig at Kentish Town O2, London, in November 2024. Hezbollah is a banned terrorist organisation under the 2000 Terrorism Act.
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Days after Ó hAnnaidh was charged, Kneecap released a statement denying the offence, promising to “vehemently defend” themselves against the charge — accusing the Met of "political policing."
During the rap trio's first gig following the charge at the 100 Club in London, Ó hAnnaidh said the accusations were part of a “witch-hunt” because Kneecap “spoke about the genocide [in Gaza]” at Coachella, adding: “We’re not the fucking story here, they’re using us as a scapegoat not to talk about the real fucking issue.”
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BBC News reported that the judge had asked Ó hAnnaidh if he would require an Irish language translator, before adding: “We were going to have one today, but I will be blunt. We couldn't find one.”
Ahead of the hearing, hundreds of supporters and protestors gathered outside of the court, brandishing Irish and Palestinian flags —including musician Brian Eno, a vocal supporter of Kneecap and signee of an open letter defending the trio.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh's next hearing has been set for August 20 at Westminster Magistrates' Court, where evidence will be given concerning the charge.
Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on Twitter
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