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Kneecap rapper released on bail amid terrorism charges

Kneecap rapper Mo Chara, who is facing a terrorism charge, has been released on unconditional bail.

The news of his release comes after his lawyers challenged the validity of the case.

The Belfast-born rapper, whose real name is Liam &Ocute;g &Ocute; hAnnaidh, and also goes by Liam O'Hanna, is accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation, and chanting "Up Hamas, up Hezbollah" at a gig in north London on 21 November last year.

At a hearing at Westminster magistrates court on Wednesday, &Ocute; hAnnaidh's defence team argued that the charge, which was made on 22 May, was outside the six-month window required to fall under the court's jurisdiction.

The chief magistrate set a new date of 20 August to hear arguments to establish whether the court has jurisdiction. &Ocute; hAnnaidh has been released on unconditional bail until then.

After leaving the courtroom, &Ocute; hAnnaidh joined a crowd of hundreds of fans and protesters with his bandmates, Naoise O Cairealláin (stage name Móglaí Bap) and JJ &Ocute; Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí).

He was greeted with applause, drumming and clouds of pink smoke.

In a brief speech outside the court, &Ocute; hAnnaidh told cheering fans that Kneecap would be performing at 4pm next Saturday at the Glastonbury festival, and began a chant of "Free, free Palestine".

Photo: Cover Media
Source: Cover Media
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