A Belfast rapper received bail today after facing terror charges for allegedly supporting Hezbollah. Mo Chara from the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court as hundreds of fans gathered outside. The supporters waved Palestinian and Irish flags and chanted for Palestine. Mo Chara wore a Palestinian scarf and only confirmed his name during the hearing. He will return to court on August 20.
Prosecutors say the case focuses on video from a London concert last November. The footage appears to show Mo Chara wrapped in a Hezbollah flag and shouting support for Hamas and Hezbollah. British law makes it illegal to publicly support either group. The prosecutor told the court that Mo Chara can legally criticize Israel and support Palestinian people. The case targets only his alleged support for banned organizations.
Police started investigating after Kneecap performed at Coachella festival earlier this year. The band displayed pro-Palestinian messages during their performance which led authorities to review older footage. Mo Chara could face six months in prison and a fine if convicted. His lawyer argues the charges came after a legal time limit had passed. The band denies supporting any terror groups and calls the charges political harassment.
Prosecutors say the case focuses on video from a London concert last November. The footage appears to show Mo Chara wrapped in a Hezbollah flag and shouting support for Hamas and Hezbollah. British law makes it illegal to publicly support either group. The prosecutor told the court that Mo Chara can legally criticize Israel and support Palestinian people. The case targets only his alleged support for banned organizations.
Police started investigating after Kneecap performed at Coachella festival earlier this year. The band displayed pro-Palestinian messages during their performance which led authorities to review older footage. Mo Chara could face six months in prison and a fine if convicted. His lawyer argues the charges came after a legal time limit had passed. The band denies supporting any terror groups and calls the charges political harassment.
