Liam O’Hanna, 27, is facing legal trouble for allegedly waving a Hezbollah flag at a concert in London last November. A member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, O’Hanna, also known as Mo Chara, appeared in Westminster Magistrates’ Court amidst a gathering of supporters outside the building.

Kneecap, a Belfast-based group that raps in English and Gaeilge (Irish language), has denied the terrorism charge. The band has been vocal about their stance against Israel's actions in Gaza, accusing the country of committing genocide, a claim that the Israeli government refutes.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution clarified that the case is not related to O’Hanna's views on Israel and Palestine. The charge is based on a video recording that allegedly shows O’Hanna displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert while expressing support for Hamas and Hezbollah.

The defence argued that the charge was brought too late, more than six months after the alleged incident took place at a gig in London. The court will reconvene on August 20 to determine the validity of this claim.

Outside the courtroom, supporters of Kneecap expressed their belief that O’Hanna is being unfairly targeted due to the band's unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian cause and the Irish people. The group has garnered international recognition, winning awards for a film about their journey.

Despite facing controversies in the past, including a video that surfaced in 2023 showing a band member making controversial statements, Kneecap continues to receive support from fellow musicians who condemn the attempts to censor and de-platform the group.