Terrorism Charge Against Kneecap Rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh Dismissed by UK Court

Terrorism Charge Dismissed

A terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, was dismissed by a UK court on Friday, September 26, 2025. The charge, which alleged that Ó hAnnaidh displayed a flag of the proscribed organisation Hezbollah, was thrown out due to a technical error in the way the proceedings were brought. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring, sitting at Woolwich Crown Court, ruled that the charge was 'unlawful and null'.

Details of the Allegation

Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2024. Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organisation in the United Kingdom, making it an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to display support for the group. Ó hAnnaidh had denied the offence, with the band stating that the flag was thrown onto the stage by a fan and that they do not support Hezbollah. He was charged in May 2025.

Court's Ruling on Technicality

The dismissal stemmed from a legal challenge by Ó hAnnaidh's defence team, led by Brenda Campbell KC. They argued that the necessary consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Attorney General (AG) was not obtained within the six-month statutory time limit required for such charges. Chief Magistrate Goldspring agreed with the defence, stating, 'I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP and AG consent within the six-month statutory time limit set by section 127.' He concluded that 'the charge is unlawful and null and this court has no jurisdiction to try the charge.'

Background and Reactions

Kneecap, a Belfast-based hip-hop trio, is known for its politically charged lyrics, promotion of the Irish language, and strong pro-Palestinian stance. Outside the court, Ó hAnnaidh addressed supporters, stating, 'This entire process was never about me. It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism – a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress. It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.' The band's manager, Daniel Lambert, celebrated the decision, asserting that Kneecap has 'NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER.' Northern Ireland's First Minister, Michelle O'Neill, welcomed the dismissal, describing the charges as 'a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.' The Crown Prosecution Service indicated it was 'reviewing the decision of the court carefully.' The group has faced previous controversies, including a ban from entering Canada and a revoked arts grant, which they have often linked to their political views and advocacy.