Kneecap rapper arrives at London court over Hezbollah flag charge

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a Kneecap rapper who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, arrived at Woolwich Crown Court in London to learn whether he will stand trial on a terror offence tied to a flag displayed at a November 2024 concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town.

Prosecutors say he displayed a flag in support of Hezbollah, the UK-proscribed organisation, at that gig.

The 27-year-old denies the charge and has described the act as political.

The case was moved to Woolwich from Westminster Magistrates' Court after a burst water main delayed proceedings.

He had appeared in court on 20 August, when the chief magistrate said a decision on whether Ó hAnnaidh would stand trial would be issued on 26 September.

During that hearing, lawyers argued over whether the charge was brought within the six-month time limit, and the defence contends there is a technical error in the charging document that could see the case thrown out.

Ó hAnnaidh has remained on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.

Hezbollah is proscribed in the United Kingdom as a terrorist organisation, and expressing support for them is a crime.

Supporters of Kneecap have previously gathered outside the court during appearances.

The case highlights legal questions around timeliness and how charges are framed in cases tied to political statements.

The outcome will hinge on timeliness and charging procedures, with the court scheduled to decide on whether to proceed to trial later this year.