This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cy4k4xnlj8qo

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
Kneecap: Rapper released on unconditional bail over terror charge Kneecap: Rapper released on unconditional bail over terror charge
(32 minutes later)
Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, leaving Westminster court in central LondonKneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara, leaving Westminster court in central London
A rapper with Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on a terror charge.A rapper with Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap has been released on unconditional bail after appearing in a London court on a terror charge.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O'Hanna, is accused of 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).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).
Supporters of the group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.Supporters of the group offered a round of applause outside a court in London on Wednesday, after the appearance.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, with fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and JJ O'Dochartaigh aka DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh) outside court on Wednesday
Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on 20 August.Mr Ó hAnnaidh will appear at court for the next hearing on 20 August.
The Chief Magistrate told him he must attend court on that day. The chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told him he must attend court on that day.
The judge asked whether or not Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh needed an Irish interpreter to be present in court. He asked whether or not Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh needed an Irish interpreter to be present in court.
The judge said: "We were going to have one today, but I will be blunt. We couldn't find one." The chief magistrate said: "We were going to have one today, but I will be blunt. We couldn't find one."
In court, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "This case is not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel."In court, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove said: "This case is not about Mr Ó hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel."
He told the court Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.He told the court Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh is "well within his rights" to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.
Defence lawyer Brenda Campbell KC said: "This is a simple issue. This court has no jurisdiction." "The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'.
The court room was full and court staff had to bring in more seats for journalists. "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.
Inside the court were representatives of the Irish language lobby and politicians John Finucane and Paul Maskey. "So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation."
One of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidhOne of the people protesting outside Westminster court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh
The court room was full and court staff had to bring in more seats for journalists.
Inside the court were representatives of the Irish language lobby and Sinn Féin MPs John Finucane and Paul Maskey.
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."
A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday
The band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts.The band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts.
Musicians, supporters, and activists crowded outside court.Musicians, supporters, and activists crowded outside court.
Large green flags saying "Free Speech, Free Palestine" are also on display.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".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".
The slogan is a spin on a well-known discriminatory phrase found outside some UK boarding houses from the 1950s.The slogan is a spin on a well-known discriminatory phrase found outside some UK boarding houses from the 1950s.
Kneecap said it had "plastered" London with messages of support for its band member.Kneecap said it had "plastered" London with messages of support for its band member.
Fellow band member Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) arriving at Westminster Magistrates' Court to support Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (Mo Chara) The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí
A large crowd outside the court in London on Wednesday
Who are Kneecap?Who are Kneecap?
Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.Kneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.
The group was formed in 2017 by three musicians who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.The group was formed in 2017 by three musicians who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The group go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí
The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.
In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.