Protests outside court as rapper appears on terror charge

Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, arriving at Westminster court in central London

EPA A close-up of a man in the midst of a crowd. He is wearing sunglasses and a black and white keffiyeh headdress around his neck like a scarf. There is a camera lens being held close to his face as a photographer takes a photo — Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, arriving at Westminster court in central London

Supporters of 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.”

One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A person wearing a white balaclava and a headscarf holds a poster that says 'Free Mo Chara' . Other people in the background also hold placards — One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

The band 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.

Fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara)

PA Media Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) outside court, wearing a black jacket and sunglasses. He is surrounded by crowds of people. — Fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) arriving at Westminster Magistrates’ Court to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara)

A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday

EPA A crowd of people holding placards saying 'Defend Kneecap', and holding Palestinian flags and Irish flags outside the court in London — A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday

Who are Kneecap?

The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

Getty Images Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh aka Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí of Kneecap at the BAFTAS. Liam has short dark hair wearing black clothing. Naoise has dark wavy hair with his arms leant on the shoulders of Liam and JJ, he is wearing black clothing and rings. JJ is wearing a tri colour balaclava and tri colour suit. They are standing next to a BAFTAS sign. — The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.

In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.

In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.

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