Protesters gather ahead of Kneecap rapper court appearance

8 hours ago 1

TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock A person wearing a white balaclava and a headscarf holds a poster that says 'Free Mo Chara' . Other people in the background also hold placardsTOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh

Supporters of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have gathered outside a court in London where one of the rappers is appearing on a terror offence.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is accused of allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is appearing at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday.

In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

Getty Images A dark haired young man with short brown hair and blue eyes, wearing a black cap and a patterned coat. The backdrop behind him is lilac and says Sundance.Getty Images

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh performs under the name Mo Chara

Fans outside the court could be seen with placards saying "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap".

Large green flags saying "Free Speech, Free Palestine" are also on display.

Kneecap said it had "plastered" London with messages of support for its band member.

A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara".

Reuters A crowd of people holding placards saying 'Defend Kneecap', and holding Palestinian flags outside the court in LondonReuters

A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday

Who are Kneecap?

Getty Images Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh aka Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí of Kneecap at the BAFTAS. Liam has short dark hair wearing black clothing. Naoise has dark wavy hair with his arms leant on the shoulders of Liam and JJ, he is wearing black clothing and rings. JJ is wearing a tri colour balaclava and tri colour suit. They are standing next to a BAFTAS sign.Getty Images

The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí

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