Mo Chara, rapper and member of the Belfast-based group Kneecap, has been released on unconditional bail after facing a terrorism charge. His legal team challenged the timing of the charge, arguing it fell outside the six-month statutory window required for the court’s jurisdiction.
The rapper, whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (also known as Liam O’Hanna), was accused of displaying a Hezbollah-supporting flag and chanting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a gig in north London on November 21, 2023. The charge was filed on May 22, 2024.
At Wednesday’s hearing at Westminster Magistrates Court, the chief magistrate scheduled August 20 as the date to determine whether the court has proper jurisdiction to proceed.
Following the hearing, Mo Chara greeted outside the courthouse by hundreds of supporters and fellow Kneecap bandmates Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh). The crowd welcomed him with chants, drumming, and flares of pink smoke.
Addressing his supporters, Mo Chara confirmed that Kneecap will perform at Glastonbury Festival next Saturday at 4pm, before leading a chant of “Free, free Palestine.”