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Kneecap Rapper’s Terror Case Adjourned as Judge Sets September Ruling on Time‑Limit Challenge

Defense lawyers argue the charge missed the six‑month deadline, with Attorney General consent arriving too late to give the court jurisdiction.

SENSITIVE MATERIAL. THIS IMAGE MAY OFFEND OR DISTURB Supporters 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, protest against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and in support of Palestinians in Gaza, outside the Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London, Britain, August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay
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Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who performs as Mo Chara, arrives at the Westminster Magistrates' Court in London on Wednesday.
Member of 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, arrives at the Westminster Magistrates' Court, in London, Britain, August 20, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Overview

  • Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring set 26 September to decide whether Westminster Magistrates’ Court can hear the case or must throw it out as time‑barred.
  • Prosecutors say Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh displayed a Hezbollah flag during a London gig in November 2024 and allegedly said, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
  • The defense contends police notified him of the charge on 21 May without prior consent from the Attorney General and that consent on 22 May came after the limit.
  • The prosecution argues he was charged on 21 May within the six‑month window and that consent was only required by the time of his first court appearance.
  • Hundreds of supporters rallied outside under Metropolitan Police Public Order Act conditions; Ó hAnnaidh remains on unconditional bail and has not entered a plea.