Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, of Irish language hip-hop trio Kneecap, was released on continuing unconditional bail following his second court appearance at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Wednesday, August 20.
Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was charged with a terror offence in May, accused of displaying a flag in support of Hizballah, a proscribed organisation, during a gig in London last November.
The 27-year-old Belfast native denies the charge, with Kneecap slamming it as "political policing" and a "carnival of distraction."
In court on Wednesday, an Irish interpreter was provided for Ó hAnnaidh.
According to Reuters, Ó hAnnaidh's lawyers argued that the charge was brought too late and the prosecution's case should be thrown out, as Ó hAnnaidh was formally charged on May 22 this year, one day after the six-month limit for such charges.
However, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove argued that Ó hAnnaidh was charged on May 21, within the time limit.
Judge Paul Goldspring said he would give a decision on whether Ó hAnnaidh will face trial on September 26.
The day before Wednesday's hearing, the UK Metropolitan Police imposed Public Order Act conditions to "prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest" outside the court.
While Kneecap slammed the move as a "farce" and a "calculated political decision," they called upon their supporters to "please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful."
We massively appreciate the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is.
It is distraction from war crimes that the British state support.
In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for kneecap as… https://t.co/KoMAtkydqG
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 19, 2025
As anticipated, throngs of supporters descended upon the area on Wednesday morning, many hoisting Irish flags, Palestinian flags, and "Free Mo Chara" signs.
Video published by Reuters shows a chaotic scene as Ó hAnnaidh - joined by his solicitor Darragh Mackin, Kneecap co-member Naoise Ó Cairealláin (aka Móglaí Bap) and manager Daniel Lambert - arrived at the court.
The third member of Kneecap, JJ Ó Dochartaigh (aka DJ Próvaí), arrived soon after, donning his signature tricolor balaclava.
Speaking to the crowd after the three-hour hearing on Wednesday, Ó hAnnaidh said: "Obviously, it's great to see the support out here.
"We know the story is more than just about me; it's more than Kneecap. This is a story about Palestine, and us is a distraction from the real story.
"We know, unfortunately, this story will end up in the media today while Israel commits genocide at the same time.
"So everybody, continue to speak about Palestine. Free Palestine. Thank you all for coming. Tiocfaidh ár lá."
A massive GRMA to everyone who came out to support us as their carnival of distraction rolls on.
We will be back on September 26th for the Court to determine jurisdiction. We have set out why it does not.
Kneecap is not the story.
Palestine is the story.
The British… pic.twitter.com/YxqA1aenbP
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL) August 20, 2025
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