A member of the rap group Kneecap is set to appear in a London court for reportedly displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, which is banned in the UK, during a performance last year.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was greeted by a sizable gathering of supporters—many holding Palestinian flags—upon his arrival at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The 27-year-old, who is known by the stage name Mo Chara, refutes the allegations and asserts that the case is “political,” aiming to suppress the voice of Kneecap.

The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Metropolitan Police, who reviewed video evidence.

Since his initial court appearance in June, Mr. Ó hAnnaidh has been released on unconditional bail.

A significant crowd gathered outside the courthouse, with supporters brandishing signs that read “Free Mo Chara” and waving both Palestinian and Irish flags ahead of the rapper’s entrance.

Joining him were fellow band members Móglaí Bap (Naoise Ó Cairealláin) and DJ Próvaí (JJ Ó Dochartaigh), along with their manager.

On Tuesday evening, the Metropolitan Police announced that they had “implemented Public Order Act conditions to prevent any serious disruptions from occurring due to a protest” outside the courthouse.

They specified that any demonstrations in support of Mr. Ó hAnnaidh and related causes were to be confined to the designated “red area,” while any stage constructed must be located in the “green area,” as stated in their social media updates.

In a post, the band remarked that “the police’s actions are aimed at framing support for Kneecap as problematic.”

They expressed gratitude to their supporters and encouraged everyone to follow “all instructions given, no matter how unreasonable they may seem.”