Kneecap rapper's terror case thrown out

2 hours ago 2

Reuters A group of people arriving to Woolwich Crown Court. Five of the men are wearing green white and orange tricolour balaclavas. They are all dressed in black.

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 Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was "unlawful" and "null".

The case was due to be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court 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.

His defence team were seeking to throw the case out, citing a technical error in the way the charge was brought against Mr Ó hAnnaidh.