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2m ago

Kneecap’s Mo Chara Faces Key Ruling on Terror Charge as Hearing Moves to Woolwich

A judge is set to decide whether a late Attorney General consent outside the six‑month limit blocks the prosecution.

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
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
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, wears a keffiyeh and a balaclava in the colours of the Irish flag, as he walks outside the Woolwich Crown Court on the day of a hearing, in London, Britain, September 26, 2025. REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Overview

  • Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring is due to rule on the court’s jurisdiction, determining if the case proceeds to trial.
  • The defence argues the charge is invalid because Attorney General consent followed police notification by a day, exceeding the statutory time bar.
  • The Metropolitan Police imposed a Section 14 order confining supporters to a designated area, with arrest warned for non‑compliance, drawing criticism from the band.
  • Flooding closed Westminster Magistrates’ Court, so the hearing is taking place at Woolwich Crown Court.
  • Mo Chara denies supporting Hezbollah or Hamas and remains on unconditional bail, as the case has already prompted bans abroad and canceled shows, including a planned US tour.