Dozens of supporters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in 2025 as Irish rapper Mo Chara, a member of the hip-hop group Kneecap, faced multiple court appearances related to terrorism charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London performance in 2024.
The case, which began in June and continued through hearings on August 20 with another scheduled for September 26, remained unresolved as judges considered arguments about court jurisdiction and timing. Mo Chara, who maintained unconditional bail throughout the proceedings, had not entered a plea by September as legal wrangling continued on procedural grounds.
Defence attorneys argued the terrorism charge exceeded the six-month statutory filing limit, while prosecutors maintained the charges had been brought within legal parameters. Another point of contention centered on whether the Attorney General had properly authorized the charges when police initially notified the artist.
Legal battle hinged on filing deadlines and procedural authorizations as defense challenged prosecution’s timeline and approvals.
Outside the courthouse, crowds of supporters waved Palestinian and Irish flags while chanting “Free Mo Chara,” creating a politically charged atmosphere that reflected the case’s broader implications. Fellow bandmates joined the demonstrations, which photographers and media outlets documented extensively. Kneecap had specifically called for fans to gather at 9am with flags and keffiyeh to show solidarity.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring adjourned the case until the next scheduled court appearance, granting Mo Chara unconditional bail to return on September 26.
“This case represents more than just my situation,” Mo Chara told supporters after one hearing, framing the prosecution as a distraction from ongoing conflicts in Palestine and a symptom of British state repression against Irish voices.
The legal troubles considerably impacted Kneecap’s international touring schedule, with a previously sold-out US tour cancelled in 2025 after American booking agents withdrew visa sponsorship. Kneecap leveraged social media platforms to maintain fan engagement during the legal battle, sharing updates and political commentary that kept their audience invested despite touring limitations. Canadian authorities subsequently denied the band entry, citing the ongoing terrorism investigation. The cancellations significantly affected the group’s revenue streams, forcing them to rely more heavily on digital sales and streaming royalties during this period.
Media coverage frequently positioned the court proceedings within larger geopolitical contexts, with commentators debating whether the case represented legitimate application of anti-terrorism laws or an overreach against political expression. Fans consistently characterized the proceedings as an attack on free speech rather than a straightforward legal matter, turning each court appearance into both a legal proceeding and a platform for political solidarity with Palestine and Irish identity.
