Kneecap’s Mo Chara Granted Bail Amid UK Terror Charge
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the 27-year-old rapper from the acclaimed Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap, known by his stage name Mo Chara, has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court to face a terror charge.
The charge against Ó hAnnaidh, formally named Liam O’Hanna in court documents, alleges that he displayed a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah and chanted “Up Hamas, Up Hezbollah” during a gig in London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on November 21, 2024. Under UK law, both Hamas and Hezbollah are classified as banned terrorist groups, and public support for them is prohibited.
Court Appearance and Legal Challenge
Mo Chara appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, accompanied by his bandmates, Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí). Wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh scarf, he spoke only to confirm his name and address during the brief hearing. The courtroom was reportedly full, requiring extra seating for journalists and observers.
A key point of contention emerged as Ó hAnnaidh’s defence team challenged the validity of the charge itself. They argued that the charge was brought on May 22, 2025, which they contend falls outside the six-month statutory time limit for cases heard under the magistrates court’s jurisdiction for this type of offence. Defence lawyer Brenda Campbell stated that if this argument prevails, the court would lack the legal standing to proceed, effectively ending the case.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove clarified during the hearing that the case is specifically focused on the alleged footage from the London concert depicting the display of the flag and the chants. He stressed that the prosecution’s case is not about Mr. Ó hAnnaidh’s broader support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel, asserting that he is “well within his rights” to express such views. The issue, Bisgrove stated, is the “apparent support” for a proscribed terrorist organisation.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring did not immediately rule on the jurisdiction challenge. Instead, he scheduled the next court hearing for August 20, 2025, specifically to hear legal arguments regarding whether the magistrates court has the authority to handle the case given the defence’s challenge. Until that date, Mo Chara remains released on unconditional bail, though he is required to attend the August hearing. If the court finds it has jurisdiction and the case proceeds to trial, Ó hAnnaidh could face a potential sentence of up to six months in prison and a fine if convicted.
Supporters Gather Outside Court
Outside the court, hundreds of supporters, including musicians, activists, and fans, created what was described as a “carnival atmosphere.” They gathered to show solidarity with the rapper, offering applause after his court appearance. Band members arrived wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts, and the crowd displayed a mixture of flags, including Irish, Palestinian, and anti-fascist banners, alongside large green flags declaring “Free Speech, Free Palestine.”
Placards featuring puns on Irish-language phrases were seen alongside professional posters from socialist worker organisers. Cheers were heard as a van drove past displaying the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara,” a modern spin on a historical discriminatory phrase, used by the band to draw parallels between historical discrimination faced by Irish people and the current situation.
A member of Mo Chara’s legal team addressed the crowd, highlighting Kneecap’s history of performing globally without complaint and being hailed as “heroes for speaking truth to power.” They suggested that in the British court system, Ó hAnnaidh had been “criminalised” and implied the prosecution might have been “rushed” following the band’s recent performance at the Coachella festival, where they displayed strong pro-Palestine messages.
In a brief speech to his supporters, Mo Chara thanked them, announced Kneecap’s upcoming performance at Glastonbury festival, and led the crowd in a chant of “Free, free Palestine.”
Kneecap’s Controversial Rise and Pro-Palestine Stance
Kneecap, the Belfast-based trio known for their provocative Irish-language hip-hop lyrics and merchandise, has gained significant attention since forming in 2017. Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Michael Fassbender, which recently won a BAFTA and received an Academy Award nomination.
The group has frequently courted controversy with their politically charged performances and lyrics. Their vocal support for Palestine has become particularly prominent, intensifying in response to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank. In April 2025, they faced criticism for displaying messages about the war during their set at Coachella, including shouting “F–k Israel; free Palestine.” It is reported that police scrutiny intensified after the Coachella performance, leading to the recirculation of the footage from the November 2024 London concert that resulted in the current charge.
Following the charge, Kneecap released a statement denying the “offence,” vowing to “vehemently defend” themselves. They explicitly stated, “Let us be unequivocal: we do not, and have never, supported Hamas or Hezbollah. We condemn all attacks on civilians, always. It is never okay.” They described the charge as “political policing” and a “carnival of distraction” designed to “weaponise” their pro-Palestine views and stifle their artistic free speech, which they connect to the wider issue of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The band has garnered public support from numerous prominent artists, including Massive Attack, Fontaines D.C., Paul Weller, IDLES, and Johnny Marr, who have signed open letters or issued statements in their defence.
While the group has faced backlash leading to cancellations of some shows, such as at TRNSMT and Eden Sessions, they have often replaced these with quickly sold-out make-up performances, indicating significant ongoing public backing. The band recently announced their biggest headline show outside Ireland to date, set for London’s 12,500-capacity OVO Arena Wembley in September. Their legal case against the UK government over the withdrawal of an arts grant, which they won in November 2024, further underscores their history of challenging authority.
