Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara for Kneecap, appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court for a three-hour hearing, greeted by hundreds of supporters as he arrived with bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh. Prosecutors allege he displayed a flag linked to the proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a November 2024 gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London.

During the hearing, the defence argued the case should be dismissed on a technical point, saying the Attorney General had not authorised proceedings when police informed him on 21 May that he faced a terrorism charge. Counsel said consent was granted the following day, but that meant the charge fell outside the six-month window for bringing criminal cases.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring adjourned the case to 26 September to decide whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the matter. O hAnnaidh, who is from Belfast, is on unconditional bail and has not entered a plea. He arrived with his fellow Kneecap members while supporters gathered outside with banners and flags. The Metropolitan Police said restrictions on the demonstration were designed to prevent serious disruption; a man was detained outside the court after holding a placard not linked to any proscribed organisation.