![\"Kneecap](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-112351-AM.png\")
Kneecap supporters at court.<\/p>\nRuairi Brannigan showed support for Liam O’Hanna, who goes by the stage name Mo Chana, at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court on Wednesday.<\/p>\n
14:21, 18 Jun 2025Updated 14:31, 18 Jun 2025<\/p>\n
Kneecap supporters at court.<\/p>\n
A Glasgow musician hailed Wednesday’s Kneecap<\/a> court protests as “one of the most peaceful protests I have been to” – while also performing with his bandmates and giving a speech to the crowds.<\/p>\n Ruairi Brannigan<\/a>, 28, left his home in the city to show support for rapper Liam O’Hanna, who goes by the stage name Mo Chana, at London’s Westminster Magistrates Court.<\/p>\n O’Hanna, who is also known as Liam Og O Hannaidh, appeared in court<\/a> charged with a terrorism offence over an incident at a gig on November 21 last year.<\/p>\n Ruari, originally from Belfast, told the PA news agency<\/a>: “This is one of the most peaceful protests I have been to. Everyone was so kind. We are here for a great cause.<\/p>\n “I think this is the ideal protest: no violence, no bigotry and an expression of peace. The fact it’s on terrorism<\/a> charges is ridiculous.<\/p>\n “It is politically<\/a> motivated policing and a targeted campaign by the British Government against Kneecap.”<\/p>\n O’Hanna and bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters as they arrived in “Free Mo Chara” T-shirts earlier today<\/a>.<\/p>\n Dozens<\/a> surged around the entrance of the court building as they made their way inside, with some also entering the lobby before the hearing, trying to get close to the Belfast trio.<\/p>\n O’Hannah was charged<\/a> last month after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed terrorist organisation Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.<\/p>\n The court heard the 27-year-old<\/a> is “well within his rights” to voice his opinions on Israel and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a “wholly different thing”.<\/p>\n Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.<\/p>\n You’ll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.<\/p>\n No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.<\/p>\n All you have to do is click here if you’re on mobile<\/strong><\/a>, select ‘Join Community’ and you’re in!<\/p>\n If you’re on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click ‘Join Community’.<\/p>\n We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don\u2019t like our community, you can check out any time you like.<\/p>\n To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose ‘exit group’.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.<\/a><\/p>\n After the brief hearing concluded, the defendant exited the court building to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums<\/a> and one supporter setting off a smoke canister.<\/p>\n During the hearing, the allegations<\/a> against him were summarised by prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, who said: “It’s not about Mr O hAnnaidh’s support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.<\/p>\n “He’s well within his rights to voice his opinions<\/a> and solidarity, as is anybody else. The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording.<\/p>\n “In November of last year, he wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying ‘up Hamas, up Hezbollah<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n “Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr O hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist<\/a> organisation.”<\/p>\n Wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers<\/a>, the defendant spoke briefly to confirm his identity at the beginning of the hearing. Hundreds of fans, along with journalists, crammed against the doors of the court building as they waited for the performer to leave.<\/p>\n Outside court following the hearing, O Caireallain<\/a>, led the huge crowds in chants of “Free Palestine”. Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: “For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday.<\/p>\n “If you can’t be there we’ll be on the BBC, if anybody watches the BBC<\/a>. We’ll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine.”<\/p>\n O hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court<\/a> on August 20.<\/p>\n The Norther Irish rap trio were due to perform at this summer’s TRNSMT<\/a> Festival, in Glasgow, but their performance was axed over police fears over safety.<\/p>\n![\"Kneecap.\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-112427-AM.png\")
Kneecap.(Image: Getty.)<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/0_WACOMMUNITYQR3.jpg\")
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!<\/p>\n![\"Mo](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/0_Screenshot-2025-06-18-at-112416-AM.png\")
Mo Chara.(Image: Getty Images.)<\/p>\n