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2w ago

High Court Reserves Ruling on CPS Bid to Revive Kneecap Terror Charge

Two judges are considering a legal dispute over the timing of required consent under the Terrorism Act.

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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

Overview

  • Prosecutors argued that Attorney General permission granted on May 22 meant consent was in place by the defendant’s first court appearance on June 18, so the case can proceed.
  • The defence maintained proceedings began when the written charge was issued on May 21 without prior consent, making the charge unlawful under the six‑month limit and consent rules.
  • Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring had thrown out the case in September, ruling the prosecution was instituted unlawfully without timely DPP/AG consent and outside the statutory window.
  • Lord Justice Edis and Mr Justice Linden reserved judgment and said a written decision will be issued, which will either leave the dismissal in place or return the case to be heard.
  • The case stems from allegations that Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh displayed a Hezbollah flag and said “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah” at a November 2024 gig, which he and Kneecap deny as they label the appeal a waste of public money.