Liam Og O hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish language hip-hop group Kneecap, was charged in London for displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance, which is seen as support for a proscribed terrorist organization. Despite the serious allegations, the court acknowledged O hAnnaidh's right to express his political views. His case raised questions about freedom of expression versus support for terrorism. O hAnnaidh is set to return to court on 20 August for further proceedings.
The allegation in this case is a wholly different thing and deals with a video recording showing that, in November of last year, Mr O hAnnaidh wore and displayed the flag of Hezbollah, a proscribed terrorist organisation, while saying 'up Hamas, up Hezbollah'. Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other.
This case is not about Mr O hAnnaidh, support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel. He is well within his rights to express his support and solidarity for Palestinians.
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