A UK court has dropped the terrorism charge against Liam Og O hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, also known as Mo Chara. The charge was dismissed due to a technical error, as the prosecution failed to obtain the necessary consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions within the six-month statutory time limit. The court ruled that the charge was “unlawful” and “null,” and therefore, it had no jurisdiction to try the case.
O hAnnaidh was charged in May for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert in November 2024. The flag was reportedly thrown on stage during the group’s performance, and O hAnnaidh denied the offense, claiming it was a political move to silence him and the band’s support for the Palestinian cause. Kneecap has been vocal about its support for Palestinians amid Israel’s war in Gaza, which has led to criticism and accusations of glorifying terrorism.
The court’s decision was met with cheers from O hAnnaidh’s supporters, and the rapper hailed the ruling as a victory for free speech. “It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up… Your attempts to silence us have failed, because we’re right and you’re wrong,” he said outside the court. Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill also welcomed the ruling, stating that the charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
The case has sparked debates about free speech and the limits of artistic expression. Kneecap has faced backlash in several countries, including Hungary and Canada, which have banned the group from entry, and Germany and Austria, which canceled some of their concerts. Despite these challenges, the band remains committed to its cause, and O hAnnaidh’s message has resonated with many who support the Palestinian cause.
