Kneecap’s Liam O’Hanna has been released on bail as the terror charge case has been adjourned until August 20.
O'Hanna appeared today at Westminster Magistrates Court where he was granted unconditional bail and will appear again in person at the court in August.
The 27-year-old from Belfast was charged in May by postal requisition with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation.
The charge relates to an incident on November 21 last year at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, where O’Hanna is alleged to have displayed a flag in a public place in a manner that could reasonably be interpreted as showing support for Hezbollah.
Liam O’Hanna arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court accompanied by his Kneecap bandmates
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The offence falls under section 13(1)(b) and (3) of the Terrorism Act 2000.
The Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command was alerted to an online video from the event on April 22.
In a statement, posted online in May, Kneecap said: "14,000 babies are about to die of starvation in Gaza, with food sent by the world sitting on the other side of a wall, and once again the British establishment is focused on us."
"We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves"This is political policing.This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is."MORE LIKE THIS:
A crowd of fans and supporters gathered outside, waving placards and flags
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Liam O’Hanna arrived at Westminster Magistrates' Court accompanied by his Kneecap bandmates, Naoise Ó Cairealláin and JJ Ó Dochartaigh, as a crowd of fans and supporters gathered outside, waving placards and flags.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove told the court that the case did not concern O'Hanna's support for the Palestinian people or his criticism of Israel, saying: "He is well within his rights to voice his opinions and his solidarity, as is anybody else."
"The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with the video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O'Hanna wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah ... while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'."
O'Hanna's lawyer, Brenda Campbell, stated that the defence would argue the charge was filed after the six-month legal time limit for bringing such an offence had passed
Kneecap, a hip-hop trio from Belfast, Northern Ireland, is known for its politically charged lyrics, provocative merchandise, and outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza
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"If we are right in relation to that, then this court has no jurisdiction and there ends the case," she added.
Kneecap, a hip-hop trio from Belfast, Northern Ireland, is made up of Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh), Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin), and DJ Próvaí (J.J. Ó Dochartaigh).
The group is known for its politically charged lyrics, provocative merchandise, and outspoken criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza.