‘This is not about the money... It’s an attack on Irish culture, the Irish language and the Good Friday agreement’ - DJ Próvái
As DJ Próvaí headed into court in Belfast on Thursday wearing his infamous tricolour balaclava, passers-by couldn’t help letting out chants of ‘Tiocfaidh ar la’.
He was the only member of Irish speaking hip hop act Kneecap in attendance for the judicial review hearing.
The trio have accused the British government of censorship for intervening in the application process for a music funding scheme.
As he entered the courts rowdy onlookers gathered at the railings roaring ‘yeooo’ and ‘Brits out’ in recognition of the green, white and orange mask.
Inside DJ Provaí removed the disguise and revealed former schoolteacher JJ O Dochartaigh sat at the back of the court conversing in Irish.
In a brief review hearing Ronan Lavery QC from his legal team announced it has been conceded there are arguable grounds of challenge adding “it’s a shame I wasn’t able to say that in Irish.”
Once Thursday’s proceedings had concluded DJ Próvaí emerged in a defiant mood and he told The Irish News the case was not about the money.
“We thought the British government had a case to answer for,” he explained.
“It’s discrimination. It’s an attack on Irish culture, the Irish language and the Good Friday agreement which they’re suppose to be upholding as well.
“It’s about identity, its about freedom of expression. The government’s over reaching and if they’re able to do this where does it stop?”
While the onlookers had moved by the time he had emerged from court his jubilant legal team couldn’t contain their delight at the court decision.
Former GAA star and pundit Joe Brolly, also a member of his legal team, went as far to join in a beaming selfie with DJ Próvái.
Belfast rap group Kneecap member DJ Próvaí gets a selfie with Barrister Joe Brolly At Belfast High Court on Thursday. Kneecap took legal action after it was blocked from getting a £15,000 grant. PICTURE COLM LENAGHAN