TOLGA AKMEN/EPA-EFE/ShutterstockSupporters of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have gathered outside a court in London where one of the rappers is appearing on a terror charge.
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, arrived at Westminster Magistrates’ Court accompanied by band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh).
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
Getty ImagesThe band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts.
Fans outside the court have placards saying “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap”.
Large green flags saying “Free Speech, Free Palestine” are also on display.
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”.
Kneecap said it had “plastered” London with messages of support for its band member.
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