Solidarity events planned ahead of Mo Chara court hearing
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, from Belfast, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara with the Irish rap group Kneecap, is due in Westminster Magistrates Court later this month to face a terrorism-related charge.
The charge relates to the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag and the chanting of “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a Kneecap concert in north London on 21st November 2024. Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation in the UK. Ó hAnnaidh denies the offence.
He was released on unconditional bail, with a court date set for Wednesday 20th August at 9am to address jurisdictional matters.
In the run-up to the hearing, a series of solidarity events under the banners “Drop the Charges – Defend Kneecap” and “Free Mo Chara” are being organised. Supporters say the events are in defence of free speech, political expression, and opposition to the use of anti-terror legislation against musicians.
Speakers and performers announced across promotional materials include Nadine Shah, Gurriers, Maverick Sabre, Ben Jamal, Gerry Carroll MLA, Ghassan Abu-Sitta, Samira Ali, Jelani Blackman, Biig Piig, Bimini, Na Cairde Collective, Croí na Gaeilge, Tadhg Hickey, Palestine Pulse, Rosie Ní Mhurchú & Abu Leila, Dr Omar Abdal-Mannan, John Finucane, Aisling Reilly, Gaza Sunbirds, Ispíní na hÉireann, Róisín El Cherif, Sally Cinnamon, Liam Winnett, Molly Vulpine, Mickey Cullen, and Ru O’Shea.
Additional listings include a London Irish Brigade – Fenian Fleadh Cheoil in support of Kneecap, and a Kneecap Solidarity Seisiún at Connolly Books on the day of the court appearance at 3pm. The Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign is also expected to have a presence.
In May 2025, Kneecap released a statement on Instagram addressing the charge and wider political issues. In it, the group described the prosecution as “political policing” and “a carnival of distraction”, claiming:
“We are not the story. Genocide is.”
The statement also alleged that the case is intended to restrict their travel, silence their political views, and prosecute artists for speaking out. It drew parallels between British policy in Gaza and historical actions in Ireland, asserting:
“We will fight you in your court. We will win. Free Palestine.”
The August hearing will determine the jurisdiction under which the case will proceed.
