RAPPER Mo Chara of the Irish-language group Kneecap faces a month-long wait to find out whether his terrorism charge will be thrown out.

Liam Og O hAnnaidh, 27, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara in the Belfast trio, appeared for his second hearing at Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London today.

He and his bandmates Naoise O Caireallain and JJ O Dochartaigh were welcomed by hundreds of supporters chanting slogans in solidarity both with O hAnnaidh and Palestinians.

The Metropolitan Police restricted the area where protesters could congregate, after his first trial saw very large crowds in the small area in front of the court.

Mr O hAnnaidh was charged in May over holding up a Hezbollah flag during a concert at O2 Kentish Town last November.

Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said he would not issue a ruling until Friday September 26, following legal arguments over the timeline of the charges.

He said he was “conscious and anxious” that there is an expectation for a “speedy resolution” but that he would “reserve my judgment for a couple of weeks.”

Mr O hAnnaidh’s defence told the court that the terror charge was issued outside of the legal six-month time limit for the alleged offence.

Calling the process a legal “blunder,” they argued the charge was made one day after the deadline.

But prosecutors claimed it was brought exactly within the time limit.

As Mr O hAnnaidh and his bandmates rolled out of the court to a rock-star welcome from the crowd, he spoke to supporters, saying: “This is a distraction from the real story.

“We know unfortunately this story will end up in the media today, while Israel commits genocide.”

Mr O Caireallain, known by his stage name Moglai Bap, added: “Keep talking about Palestine, keep calling it a genocide — and that’s the real story.

“This is just another distraction.”

Moments after their speeches, dozens of police officers grabbed and arrested a protester holding a sign with a message which they claimed was in support of Palestine Action.

A Met spokesperson said: “A man remains in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of supporting a proscribed terrorist group, Palestine Action, in Marylebone Road, NW1 this morning.”

Alongside the heavy police presence, Irish folk music played and speeches were made from a makeshift stage.

Sinn Fein MP John Finucane spoke to the crowd, saying: “We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month.

“We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara. Tiochfaidh ar la.”

Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) of Northern Ireland, Gerry Carroll traveled to London from Belfast to show support for Mr O hAnnaidh, who lives in his constituency.

He told the Star: “It’s very important to stand by our constituents when they are targeted by the British state, especially in a case of such magnitude.

“Liam Og and other artists play an important role in challenging the consensus and speaking truth to power.

“This is important for people interested in Palestine’s liberation, but also for people interested in basic rights.

“Because if the government gets away with this type of targeting and arresting [protesters], then certainly no-one is shielded from this. Who is going to be next?”