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.
Buy your copy of Huck 81 here.
Enjoyed this article? Follow Huck on Instagram and sign up to our newsletter for more from the cutting edge of sport, music and counterculture.
Support stories like this by becoming a member of Club Huck.
You might like
In photos: Hundreds gather outside court to protest Kneecap terror charge
‘Free Mo Charah’ — With drums, smoke and applause, protesters greeted the rapper outside court as he was released on unconditional bail.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Maverick Sabre: “When times get grittier, sounds get grittier”
The Irish singer songwriter sits down to talk about his latest album, Burn The Right Things Down – a yearning, existential journey that is fit for the times.
Written by: Isaac Muk
In photos: Euphoric joy at the UK’s biggest ever anti-racism march
Together — 500,000 people marched through central London on Saturday to protest the far right and racism, followed by a packed House Against Hate rave taking place in Trafalgar Square.
Written by: Isaac Muk
In photos: The newsagents keeping print alive
Save the stands — With Huck 83 hitting shelves around the world, we met a few people who continue to stock print magazines, defying an enduringly tough climate for physical media and the high street.
Written by: Ella Glossop
The last days of St Agnes Place, London’s longest ever running squat
Off the grid — Photographer Janine Wiedel spent four years documenting the people of the Kennington squat, who for decades made a forgotten row of terraced houses a home.
Written by: Isaac Muk
As salmon farming booms, Icelanders size up an existential threat
Seyðisfjörður — The industry has seen huge growth in recent years, with millions of fish being farmed in the Atlantic Ocean. But who benefits from its commercial success, and what does it mean for the ocean? Phil Young ventures to the remote country to find out.
Written by: Phil Young
