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Rap group received a rapturous welcome outside court as a judge heard one of its members faces criminal charges for allegedly backing a banned terror group - not for his views.

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, and bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and J J O Dochartaigh were cheered by hundreds of supporters in "Free Mo Chara" T-shirts at .

Dozens gathered at the court entrance as they arrived, with some trying to get close to the Belfast trio inside the lobby before the hearing. Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged last month after allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a gig in November last year.

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The court heard the 27 year old is "well within his rights" to voice his opinions on and Palestine, but the alleged incident at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, is a "wholly different thing".

After the brief hearing, the defendant left the court to a festival-like atmosphere, with fans waving flags, playing drums and one supporter setting off a smoke canister.

Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove summarised the allegations, saying: "It's not about Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh's support for the people of Palestine or his criticism of Israel.

"He's well within his rights to voice his opinions and solidarity, as is anybody else. 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'," he added.

Bisgrove continued: "Of course, support for the one is not the same as support for the other. "So the issue in this case, and the reason it has come to court, it centres on the apparent support by Mr Óg Ó hAnnaidh of a proscribed terrorist organisation."

Óg Ó hAnnaidh, wearing a dark zip-up jacket and trousers, confirmed his identity at the start of the hearing. Outside, hundreds of fans and journalists packed the court building's entrance, waiting for the performer to emerge.

Following the hearing, Óg Ó hAnnaidh's bandmate, Mr O Caireallain, led the crowd in chants of "Free Palestine".

Wearing sunglasses and a keffiyeh, Mr O Caireallain said: "For anybody going to Glastonbury, you can see us there at 4pm on the Saturday. If you can't be there we'll be on the , if anybody watches the BBC. We'll be at Wembley in September. But most importantly: free, free Palestine."

Óg Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing at the same court on August 20.