Hundreds gather to support Kneecap at terrorism hearing

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

Belfast-based Kneecap, who rap in Irish and English and regularly display pro-Palestine messages during their gigs, previously said the flag had been thrown on stage and described the charge against O'Hanna as an attempt to silence them.

Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates Court before the hearing on Wednesday, including some Northern Irish politicians and musicians, singing and waving Irish and Palestinian flags.

O'Hanna had to push past a huge scrum of photographers when he arrived, with some supporters pushing their way into the entrance of the court, chanting Free Palestine and Free Mo Chara Now.