Mo Chara, the frontman of anti-Israel rap trio Kneecap, has been released on unconditional bail after an initial hearing over a charge brought against him by counter-terror police.
The rapper, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is accused of displaying an article in support of a proscribed organisation after he was allegedly filmed draped in a Hezbollah flag and shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a gig in London last November.
During the hearing at Westminister Magistrates’ Court this morning, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove emphasised the case was “not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel” and that the he was “well within his rights” to advocate for Palestine.
However, Ó hAnnaidh’s defence counsel, Brenda Campbell KC, argued that the court did not have jurisdiction over the case and claimed that the charge was invalid as it was brought more than six months after the alleged offence, something which the prosecution contests.
Kneecap has previously denied that Ó hAnnaidh’s committed an offence, claiming that his prosecution is part of a “smear campaign” orchestrated by the “establishment”, intended to silence his activism.
He has been bailed and ordered to attend a second hearing on August 20 to discuss jurisdictional disputes.
Ó hAnnaidh, accompanied by bandmates Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, was greeted with applause by a large crowd of supporters after he emerged from court this morning.
Protesters held signs bearing the slogan “free speech, free Palestine”, while some also wore “free Mo Chara” t-shirts.
