Here’s the punishment Kneecap’s Mo Chara could face for alleged terror offence

He was released today on unconditional bail.

Demonstrators descended on Westminster Magistrates' Court in London this morning (Wednesday, 18 June) to protest terrorism charges brought against rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (aka Mo Chara), who was charged under the name Liam O'Hanna.

The 27-year-old has been accused of displaying a flag in support of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a London gig.

In a statement, posted on social media in May, Kneecap said: "We deny this 'offence' and will vehemently defend ourselves."

The band arrived at court on Wednesday wearing "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts.

Fans of the group gathered outside the court with placards saying "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap".

Large green flags saying "Free Speech, Free Palestine" were also on display.

A mixture of Palestinian and Kneecap flags were being held by some of the crowd, and cheers were heard after a van drove past displaying the slogan: "More Blacks, More Dogs, More Irish, Mo Chara."

Kneecap said it had "plastered" London with messages of support for its band member.

After a short hearing, Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail and will appear in court again on August 20.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring told Ó hAnnaidh that he must attend court on that day.

But what punishment could Mo Chara face?

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, displaying an article, such as a flag, in a public place that arouses reasonable suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation like Hezbollah is a criminal offence.

If he's found guilty, Ó hAnnaidh could face up to seven years in prison, a fine, or both.

Kneecap have denied the allegations against them, calling it ‘political policing’ designed to silence their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The group say that they do not support Hezbollah or Hamas and claim that the video of the alleged offence has been taken out of context.