Hundreds of Kneecap supporters greet rapper Mo Chara as he appears at court on a terror charge.

Editor Stephen Hill 20th August 2025

Hundreds of supporters of the rap trio Kneecap gathered to welcome one of its members as he arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, is facing allegations of supporting a proscribed terrorist organization by displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah during a performance in November of the previous year.  

Demonstrations in support of the rapper occurred outside the court in London, as well as in Dublin. The Metropolitan Police implemented conditions that restricted the locations where the demonstrations could take place, citing the need to "prevent serious disruption."  Upon his arrival, Ó hAnnaidh was met by numerous photographers, with security personnel taking considerable time to escort him into the court building. 

His supporters greeted him with enthusiasm, holding signs that read "Free Mo Chara" while waving Palestinian and Irish flags. Chants of "Free, free, Mo Chara" echoed through the crowd, amplified by a megaphone.  In response to the Metropolitan Police's regulations concerning the protest, Kneecap characterized this decision as a "calculated political move" aimed at framing support for the group as problematic. The organization urged its supporters to adhere to all directives provided, despite expressing their disappointment regarding the situation.  

During a prior court appearance in June, Ó hAnnaidh received an overwhelming welcome, joined by fellow band members Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh. The atmosphere during that appearance resembled a festival, with fans playing drums, waving flags, and one individual setting off a smoke canister.  The court previously acknowledged that the 27-year-old defendant is "well within his rights" to express his views on the Israel-Palestine conflict. However, the specific incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is regarded as a "wholly different matter." Ó hAnnaidh has yet to enter a plea concerning the charges against him.