LONDON: Hundreds of fans turned out to support a member of Irish rap group Kneecap on Wednesday at a London court as he sought to throw out a terrorism charge for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who was initially charged under the Anglicised name Liam O’Hanna and whose stage name is Mo Chara, is alleged to have waved the yellow flag of Hezbollah during a Kneecap gig in London on Nov. 21, 2024.

O hAnnaidh is accused of holding up the flag on stage while saying “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.” Kneecap have said the flag was thrown on stage during their performance.

The 27-year-old was charged in May under the Terrorism Act, which makes it a criminal offence to display an article in a way which arouses reasonable suspicion that someone is a supporter of a proscribed organization.

O hAnnaidh appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday wearing the keffiyeh scarf associated with the Palestinian cause and had to fight his way through a scrum of photographers to get inside the building.

He sat alongside an Irish language interpreter during the hearing and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain, stage name Moglai Bap, and J.J. O Dochartaigh, who goes by DJ Provao, were also in court, with supporters filling the public gallery.

RULING NEXT MONTH

Irish music was played outside the court throughout the hearing, with many supporters waving Irish and Palestinian flags while others held placards reading “Free Mo Chara.”

O hAnnaidh’s lawyers say the charge was brought too late and the prosecution case should be thrown out, as O hAnnaidh was formally charged on May 22 this year, one day after the six-month limit for such charges.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove, however, argued that O hAnnaidh was charged on May 21, within the time limit. Judge Paul Goldspring said he would give a decision on Sept. 26.

O hAnnaidh left the court to cheers from supporters, telling the crowd the charge against him was “a distraction from the real story” of Israel’s actions in the Palestinian territories.

Belfast-based Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English and regularly display pro-Palestinian messages during their gigs, previously said the charge was an attempt to silence them.

The group — who rap about Irish identity and support the republican cause of uniting Northern Ireland with the Republic of Ireland — have been increasingly vocal about the war in Gaza since O hAnnaidh was charged.

JEDDAH: Rakaez Photography Club on Tuesday marked World Photography Day with a spectacular exhibition at Esso Cafe in Jeddah, attracting enthusiasts to view a diverse collection of photographic artistry.

Some 30 photographers displayed their best work at the exhibition, capturing a range of diverse perspectives.

Turki Al-Jadaani, a photographer and one of the founders of the club, said that the exhibition “celebrates the art of photography as a medium of storytelling, creativity and visual culture.”

He added: “For us as photographers, it’s a very significant day. We have invited members of our club and local renowned photographers to a one-day photography exhibition to show their creative photos captured by their lens.”

He told Arab News that the club was a platform committed to supporting art and artists from all walks of life.

“We take great pride in our association with initiatives such as today’s event, as well as workshops we offer,” Al-Jadaani said.

Local photographers and enthusiasts viewed the exhibition, which documented people, landscapes and culture while showcasing the power of photography as a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation.

The highlights were pictures from the less frequented parts of Saudi Arabia, and included wildlife, travel shots and portraiture.

The event fostered community engagement, with some attendees posing for spontaneous portraits and videos, adding a lively dimension to the exhibition.

Tarik Khoja, the official photographer for Saudia, said: “World Photography Day is a chance to capture moments that might otherwise fade, encouraging young photographers to pursue their craft with passion and responsibility.

“It’s a day to appreciate how photography shapes communication, storytelling and documentation.

“We invited photographers to share their most treasured images, highlighting the emotional power of photography.

“On this special day we express ourselves and our art through our lenses.”

He added that the club’s initiative provided an interactive platform for members to exchange ideas, learn techniques, and connect with the community, strengthening the local photography ecosystem.

Roaa Mansori, a passionate photographer who was attending the event, highlighted how pictures preserved cherished memories and happiness.

She told Arab News: “It is a special day and we are excited to share our favorite photos.”