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3h ago

CPS Launches High Court Bid to Reinstate Terror Charge Against Kneecap Rapper

The case turns on when statutory consent for Terrorism Act prosecutions must be in place.

Member of the rap group Kneecap, Liam O'Hanna, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh and performing under the name of Mo Chara, who has been charged with a terrorism offence in relation to the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag onstage in 2024, walks outside the Woolwich Crown Court on the day of a hearing, in London, Britain, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska/File Photo
Member of Kneecap Liam O'Hanna, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh and performing under the name of Mo Chara, speaks to supporters outside Woolwich Crown Court, after a UK court threw out his prosecution for a terrorism offence, in London, Britain, Friday September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay/File Photo
Kneecap member DJ Provai (R) and Kneecap manager Dan Lambert (L) entered court together
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Overview

  • Judges Lord Justice Edis and Mr Justice Linden heard the appeal at the Royal Courts of Justice, with a decision expected at a later date.
  • CPS counsel Paul Jarvis KC argued that Attorney General consent was required only by the first court appearance and was secured on May 22 before the June 18 hearing.
  • Defence counsel Jude Bunting KC said the chief magistrate was right that proceedings were unlawfully instituted because consent was absent when the written charge was issued within the six‑month limit.
  • The dismissed charge stemmed from allegations that Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh displayed a Hezbollah flag and said “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a London gig on November 21, 2024, allegations the band contests.
  • Supporters rallied outside the court with Irish and Palestinian flags as bandmate JJ Ó Dochartaigh and manager Daniel Lambert attended, while Ó hAnnaidh was not required to appear.