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35m ago

Judge Throws Out Terror Case Against Kneecap Rapper Over Consent Lapse

Prosecutors are reviewing the ruling with the option to appeal.

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A sign that reads "CNOC Kneecap Hill" is placed next to the Irish and Palestinian flags outside the Woolwich Crown Court on the day Kneecap member 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, appears in court, in London, Britain, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
Police officers walk outside the Woolwich Crown Court ahead of the hearing of Kneecap member 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, in London, Britain, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Maja Smiejkowska
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Overview

  • Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled the proceedings were unlawfully instituted and null, ending the case at Woolwich Crown Court.
  • He found the charge lacked required Director of Public Prosecutions and Attorney General consent within the six-month statutory time limit.
  • The judge rejected prosecutors’ argument that consent could be obtained by the first hearing and told Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh he was free to go.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service said it will consider the judgment and retains the ability to appeal, with the decision focused on procedure rather than facts.
  • Police imposed a Section 14 order to manage crowds outside the court, while Kneecap reiterated it does not support Hezbollah or Hamas.