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47m ago

UK Court Throws Out Terror Case Against Kneecap Rapper Over Consent Lapse

The chief magistrate ruled the charge invalid for lack of the required consents within the six‑month limit.

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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 declared the proceedings unlawful and null, finding the case lacked DPP and attorney general consent at the time required by statute.
  • Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, had faced a charge alleging he displayed a Hezbollah flag at a November London gig; he denies wrongdoing and had not entered a plea.
  • The ruling ends the case on procedural grounds rather than the underlying facts, and the judge said the court had no jurisdiction to try the charge.
  • Supporters cheered as Ó hAnnaidh was told he was free to go, after police earlier set protest restrictions under a Section 14 order outside the court.
  • The Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing the decision and could appeal, while the Metropolitan Police said it will work with prosecutors to assess implications for similar cases.