KNEECAP RAPPER IN LONDON COURT FOR 'TERRORISM' AFTER WAVING HEZBOLLAH FLAG

Liam O'Hanna, the frontman of the popular Northern Irish rap band Kneecap, has appeared in a London court on terrorism charges. He is accused of violating British law by waving a Hezbollah flag during a concert, a move that has sparked widespread controversy and protests.

Liam O'Hanna, 27, who performs under the name Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court in London. The frontman of the popular Northern Irish rap group Kneecap is facing a controversial trial for allegedly violating British terrorism law. The charges stem from him waving a flag of Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite organization blacklisted by the United Kingdom as a terrorist group, during a concert.

Hundreds of fans and activists, carrying Palestinian and Irish flags and signs reading "Free Mo Chara," gathered outside the court to support him. Scotland Yard imposed conditions to limit the demonstration, citing a need to "prevent serious disorder." As with a previous hearing, Mo Chara was wrapped in a Palestinian keffiyeh and had to push his way through the crowd of supporters, who shouted slogans like "No more political persecution."

The trial takes place amid intense controversy in the UK over new measures introduced by Keir Starmer's Labour government. These measures, widely criticized as repressive, aim to curb pro-Palestinian protests. Kneecap had already been targeted by the government, particularly after their performance at the Glastonbury music festival. At the same festival, the punk-rap duo Bob Vylan was also placed under police investigation for shouting a slogan against the Israeli army's military operations in Gaza. The situation is further heightened by the fact that over 700 people, including many elderly individuals, have been arrested during demonstrations in support of the group Palestine Action since it was banned in early July under the Terrorism Act 2000.