LONDON — A decision on whether a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap will face trial on a terrorism charge has been delayed. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, where he was met by a large crowd of supporters carrying Irish and Palestinian flags.
The 27-year-old rapper is charged with allegedly displaying a flag in support of the proscribed organization Hezbollah during a London gig last November. Mr. Ó hAnnaidh denies the charge, calling the case “political” and an attempt to silence the group. Outside the courtroom, he addressed supporters, stating that the case was a “distraction” from the ongoing situation in Gaza. “This is a story about Palestine and us as a distraction from the real story,” he said.
During the three-hour hearing, Mr. Ó hAnnaidh’s defense team sought to have the case dismissed on a technicality, arguing that the charge was brought one day after the six-month time limit for such offenses. The prosecution, however, countered this, arguing the charge was filed within the legal timeframe.
The chief magistrate, after hearing the legal arguments, said he would reserve his judgment until September 26, when he will rule on whether the case can proceed to trial. Mr. Ó hAnnaidh, who was accompanied by his bandmates, has been released on unconditional bail. He has not yet entered a formal plea.
