UK Court Dismisses Terror Charge Against Kneecap Rapper Over Technicality

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara from the Irish hip-hop group Kneecap, had a terrorism charge dismissed by a London court due to procedural errors, notably the lack of necessary consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General within the statutory six-month time limit. The charge, related to Ó hAnnaidh allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a 2023 concert, was ruled unlawful and null by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring. Supporters celebrated the decision, with Kneecap's manager declaring the group had no charges or convictions in any country and condemning the prosecution as political policing. The case sparked protests and highlighted the group's outspoken anti-Zionist views, including controversial statements about Israel and Palestine at performances. Legal experts hailed the dismissal as a victory for freedom of expression, emphasizing the importance of following correct legal procedures in terrorism cases. Northern Ireland's First Minister and others criticized the initial charges as attempts to silence political expression.