The terrorism case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the rapper known as Mo Chara from the Northern Ireland band Kneecap, has been dismissed following a significant technical error in the prosecution’s procedure.
The decision was announced at Woolwich Crown Court, where Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring declared the charge “unlawful” and “null.”
Ó hAnnaidh was charged in May for allegedly displaying a flag supporting Hezbollah at a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024. The 27-year-old rapper firmly denied the accusations, labeling them as politically motivated.
The courtroom erupted in applause as Chief Magistrate Goldspring delivered the ruling, marking a significant victory for Ó hAnnaidh and his supporters.
As he exited the court, an emotional scene unfolded with his parents embracing him, expressing their delight at the outcome. A group of supporters, some wearing green, white, and orange tricolor balaclavas, gathered outside to celebrate the dismissal.
First Minister Michelle O’Neill took to social media platform X to commend the ruling, stating, “All charges have been dropped against Kneecap’s Mo Chara. I strongly welcome this decision.” She emphasized that the charges were part of “a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.” O’Neill highlighted Kneecap’s commitment to using their platform to raise awareness about injustice in Palestine.
The legal arguments surrounding the timing of the charge’s filing were central to the defense team’s successful bid to have the case dismissed, as they pointed to a procedural error that rendered the charge invalid.