Supporters of Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap have gathered outside a court in London where one of the rappers is appearing on a terror offence.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, charged under the name Liam O’Hanna, is accused of allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is appearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves.”
Fans outside the court could be seen with placards saying “Free Mo Chara” and “Defend Kneecap”.
Large green flags saying “Free Speech, Free Palestine” are also on display.
Kneecap said it had “plastered” London with messages of support for its band member.
A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan “More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara”.
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