Hundreds rally in support of Kneecap’s Mo Chara as court delays ruling on terror charge
- Text by Ella Glossop
- Photography by Ella Glossop
Adjourned — Demonstrations outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court saw chants for Palestine and Ireland echo through central London, as the rapper’s case was adjourned until September 26.
The verdict on whether Kneecap rapper Mo Chara committed a terrorism offence has been postponed, after Westminster Magistrates’ Court announced today (August 20) that judgement will be delivered on September 26.
Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, is accused of flying a Hezbollah flag during a London performance in November 2024. Hezbollah is a proscribed organisation under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000.
His defence team argued today that the charge was filed one day outside the six-month time limit, and should therefore be thrown out. Judge Paul Goldspring said he was “conscious and anxious” that many were awaiting a “speedy resolution,” but ultimately reserved judgement.
Outside the courtroom, hundreds of supporters gathered in solidarity, in a demonstration that featured performances from Maverick Sabre, Biig Piig, Jelani Blackman, Nadine Shah and more. The crowd carried Irish tricolours and Palestinian flags, alongside placards declaring: “Free Mo Chara.”
Addressing the crowd after the three-hour hearing, Ó hAnnaidh said: “The real story is about Palestine and [this] is a distraction from the real story. We know unfortunately that this story will end up in the media today, while Israel commits genocide at the same time.”
The case comes amid an escalating crackdown on Palestinian activism in the UK. Just last week, a Glasgow man was detained for wearing a t‑shirt deemed to resemble the logo of Palestine Action, which MPs voted to proscribe in July. Since the move, more than 700 people have been arrested.
The group has denied the charge as “political policing” and “a carnival of distraction”.
Mo Chara remains on unconditional bail.
Ella Glossop is Huck’s social lead. Follow her on Bluesky.
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