ADVERTISEMENTKneecap rapper Mo Chara, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, has been released on unconditional bail after today’s hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, faced a terror-related charge in what he says is a politically motivated effort to silence the band’s support for Palestinians before their appearance at Glastonbury Festival at the end of this month.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 20 August.
Charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, the rapper is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig last year.
He arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).
Hundreds of supporters of the group were also outside a court in London, waving signs reading: “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap.”
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court that support for the Palestinians and criticism of Israel were not the reasons for the charge filed against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh.
“He’s well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else,’’ Bisgrove said. “The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr. Ó hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organization, while saying ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah.’’’
Kneecap has supported the Palestinian cause throughout the war in Gaza, and the trio is scheduled to perform at Glastonbury on Saturday 28 June.
Several artists have supported Kneecap, including Brian Eno, Fontaines D.C. and Pulp. They signed an open letter criticizing a “clear, concerted attempt to censor and ultimately deplatform” Kneecap and opposing “political repression of artistic freedom.”
The letter reads: “As artists, we feel the need to register our opposition to any political repression of artistic freedom.”
“In a democracy, no political figures or political parties should have the right to dictate who does and does not play at music festivals or gigs that will be enjoyed by thousands of people.”
Before today’s hearing, the band posted billboards around London bearing the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara” – a message which echoes the signs placed in the windows of some London houses and businesses in the 1950s, stating “No Blacks, No Dogs, No Irish.”
“British courts have long charged people from the North of Ireland with ‘terrorism’ for crimes never committed,” Kneecap said in a statement posted on social media. “We will fight them. We will win.”
