Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara and a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, for a hearing regarding a terrorism charge related to allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London gig in November 2024. The court proceedings focused on the timing of the charge, with Mo Chara’s legal team arguing it was filed too late, a point the judge will decide on September 26, 2025. The 27-year-old musician, who denies the charge and calls the case political, was released on unconditional bail. He stated the case was a distraction from the situation in Gaza.

• Charge and Allegations: Mo Chara is charged under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag in a manner that reasonably suggests support for the proscribed organization during a Kneecap performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024. The group maintains the flag was thrown onto the stage and that the charge is an attempt to silence their pro-Palestinian message.

• Legal Proceedings: The hearing on August 20, 2025, was dedicated to the argument over the charge’s timing, with the judge, Paul Goldspring, adjourning the case until September 26, 2025, to decide whether the prosecution has jurisdiction. If the judge rules in Mo Chara’s favor, the case will be dismissed without a trial. If not, Mo Chara will be required to enter a plea, with the group indicating he would plead not guilty.

• Public Support and Context: The court appearance was met by a large crowd of supporters, many holding Palestinian flags, outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court. The trial has drawn significant attention, with activists and artists viewing it as a broader issue concerning free speech and the UK government’s response to pro-Palestinian expression. The case has also highlighted challenges for Irish speakers in British courts, as Mo Chara’s legal team requested an Irish-language interpreter, a request that underscored the difficulty in securing such services.