Terror charge against Kneecap’s Mo Chara dropped in London court

A terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, better known as Mo Chara of Irish rap trio Kneecap, has been thrown out by a London court. The case centred on an allegation that he displayed a Hezbollah flag during a performance in the UK capital last November, with prosecutors bringing a charge earlier this year under his legal name, Liam O’Hanna.

However, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the charge had been filed after the statutory six-month time limit and without the necessary consent from the attorney general. He declared the proceedings unlawful and “null,” prompting cheers from supporters inside the courtroom.

The decision comes after months of controversy surrounding the Belfast group, whose politically charged lyrics and performances have regularly made headlines. Kneecap have consistently denied endorsing militant groups, describing the case as politically motivated and a threat to free expression.

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the ruling, calling it an important outcome for free speech. For Kneecap, it marks the end of a high-profile legal battle that had placed them at the centre of political debate in both Britain and Ireland.

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Header image credit: Kneecap / Facebook.com