Mayo-born barrister to represent Kneecap rapper in UK terrorism case

A high-profile Mayo-born barrister is set to represent a member of Irish-language rap group Kneecap in a terrorism case drawing international attention.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known on stage as Mo Chara, will appear before Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday after being charged under the UK’s Terrorism Act.

The charge stems from an alleged display of a flag supporting Hezbullah, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the British government since 2019.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, 27, has been charged by the Metropolitan Police after an incident on 21 November 2024 at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the name Mo Chara, is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, June 18.

Ó hAnnaidh denies the allegation, describing it as “political policing” and a “carnival of distraction” from what he claims is genocide by Israel in Gaza.

Kneecap announced their legal team on Friday, revealing that on their defence will be Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh KC, a distinguished human rights barrister with deep roots in north Mayo.

Ní Ghrálaigh, born in Glencalry between Belderrig and Glenamoy, has previously represented South Africa in its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Known for her work on protest law and civil liberties, Ní Ghrálaigh also defended a member of the “Colston Four”, activists acquitted of criminal damage after toppling a statue of slave trader Edward Colston in Bristol during the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

Kneecap, in a statement on X said: “The British establishment is conducting a campaign against us. We are ready for this fight. We are proud to have such a strong legal team with us.”

The case is expected to be closely watched, both for its political implications and its high-profile legal team.