A small crowd turned out this morning to support Kneecap’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh in court this morning. 

In May, Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who is also known by his stage name ‘Mo Chara’, was charged with allegedly displaying the flag of Hezbollah - a banned terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom. 

The 28 year old denied the charge and in September Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring dismissed the case on technical grounds, ruling the police had waited too long to charge him. 

Kneecap supporters outside court in January 2026. Picture by: Ellen Butler.

The British Government is now appealing the decision. 

While previous court appearances have seen hundreds of people turn out to enthusiastically support the band, this time things are a little more subdued. 

 “So far there's about 20 people gathered here outside the Royal Courts of Justice,” reporter Ellen Butler told Newstalk Breakfast. 

“I think because this is now the fourth court appearance in relation to this charge, possibly the novelty has worn off a little bit. 

“There is a rally organised here, there's a stage being set up, there's going to be music and some speakers trying to raise awareness of the case.” 

Following the verdict in September, Kneecap  labelled the trial a “carnival of distraction” by the British State and vowed, “We said we would beat them in their court. And we will. Free Palestine.”

Main image: Kneecap supporters outside court in January 2026. Picture by: Ellen Butler.