Kneecap rapper Mo Chara’s terror case thrown out

The terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.

He was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denied the charge and has described it as political.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against Mr Ó hAnnaidh was “unlawful” and “null”.

The court erupted into applause as the judge handed down the ruling.

Jude Bunting KC told the court: “This case was every bit unjustified as it was flawed”.

As Mr Ó hAnnaidh left the court, his parents hugged him and said they were “delighted” it was over.

Speaking outside the court following the ruling, Mr Ó hAnnaidh said: “This process was never about me. It was never about threats to [the] public. It was never about terrorism.

“It was always about Gaza, about what happens when you dare to speak up.

“Your attempts to silence us have failed because we’re right and you’re wrong.”

In a post on social media, Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert said: “We have won.”

“Liam Óg is a free man. We said we would fight them and win. We did (Twice). Kneecap has NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER.

“Political policing has failed. Kneecap is on the right side of history. Britain is not.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the ruling.

“These charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza,” she posted on X.

“Kneecap have used their platform on stages across the world to expose this genocide, and it is the responsibility of all of us to continue speaking out and standing against injustice in Palestine.”

The case was due to be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday but was moved to Woolwich, due to a burst water main.

Hezbollah is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and it is a crime to express support for them.

During a court appearance on 20 August legal arguments around whether the charge was brought within the six-month time limit were heard.