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1h ago

Terror Charge Against Kneecap Rapper Dismissed in London on Procedural Grounds

A judge said prosecutors missed the six-month consent deadline required for the charge, stripping the court of jurisdiction.

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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 dismissed the case as “unlawful and null” after finding required DPP and Attorney General consent was not in place within the six-month limit.
  • The ruling left the magistrates’ court, sitting at Woolwich Crown Court, without jurisdiction to try the alleged Hezbollah flag display from November 2024.
  • The judge rejected prosecutors’ argument that consent could be obtained by the first appearance, calling that position illogical.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service said it is reviewing the decision and noted that an appeal remains possible.
  • The Metropolitan Police said it will work with the CPS to assess the ruling’s implications, as supporters cheered outside and the band reiterated it does not support Hezbollah or Hamas.