Irish Rapper Liam O’Hanna Appears in UK Court Over Hezbollah Flag Allegation

27-year-old Liam O’Hanna, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, was seen in a London court accused of a terrorism-related offense for supposedly waving a Hezbollah flag during a performance last November.

Amid shouts and support from hundreds of admirers and activists gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, O’Hanna, performing under the name Mo Chara, entered Westminster Magistrates’ Court. O’Hanna is charged from an event during a Kentish Town concert when he is accused of waving Hezbollah’s flag and shouting “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”

Showing support for prohibited groups like Hezbollah violates British antiterror regulations. Listed as a terrorist organization in the UK, the group is supported by Iran and active in Lebanon.

Conflict Between Politics and Open Expression

Known for their politically charged lyrics and use of the Irish language, Kneecap condemned the accusations as “political policing.” The band stated on social media, “We refute this ‘offense’ and will aggressively defend ourselves.” This is a carnival of disturbance.

They have also been vocal opponents of Israeli military activities in Gaza, branding them genocidal—a claim the Israeli authorities vehemently reject.

Prosecutors emphasized, meanwhile, that the matter was unrelated to O’Hanna’s political beliefs or opinions on Palestine. According to prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, “He is well within his rights to speak his opinions and his solidarity.” “The allegation in this case is entirely different… It concerns the video recording showing that Mr. O’Hanna wore and showed Hezbollah’s flag.”

Defense Questions Charge Timing

O’Hanna’s attorney, Brenda Campbell, contended that the delay in filing charges—more than six months following the purported offense—could null the case. She said, “If we are right with reference to that, then this court lacks jurisdiction, and the case stops there. The court will schedule another hearing on August 20 to assess the legitimacy of this defence.

Help and Retribution

Supporters gathered outside the courtroom to show O’Hanna support. One demonstrator remarked, “This case has all the characteristics of a political show trial.” Others voiced worry that Kneecap was being singled out for their vocal support of the Palestinian cause.

Supported by their award-winning semi-fictional film, the group’s growing worldwide profile has attracted fans as well as critics. British musicians Paul Weller and Brian Eno have strongly denounced what they dubbed efforts to “censor and deplatform” the band.

Kneecap has also come under criticism for past scandals, including a resurrected tape in which a member seemed to urge the death of Conservative politicians in the United Kingdom. The group has since sent apologies for the video.

The case presents new issues about freedom of expression, political speech, and the boundaries of protest in the UK’s worsening national security environment as the legal fight develops.