Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh Terrorism Charge Dismissed After Court Rules Case Unlawful

Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the Irish rapper known as Mo Chara from the group Kneecap, has had a terrorism charge dismissed after a London court ruled the proceedings unlawful and filed outside the legal time limit. The decision came from Woolwich Crown Court on September 26, 2025, and was met with applause inside the courtroom.

The 27-year-old artist was charged in May 2025 for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a November 2024 concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring stated the court had no jurisdiction because prosecutors failed to secure mandatory approvals from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and the Attorney General (AG) within the six-month statutory period.

Court Ruling and Legal Details on Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh Case

According to BBC News and other UK outlets, Judge Goldspring described the charge as “unlawful” and “null.” He explained that under UK counter-terrorism law, prosecutors must seek formal consent from senior legal authorities before proceeding with charges related to banned organizations. That process was not completed in time.

Defense lawyer Jude Bunting KC argued the prosecution was “every bit unjustified as it was flawed.” The legal team highlighted that the deadline to bring the case expired months earlier, making the charge invalid.

The courtroom erupted with applause when the ruling was announced. Supporters of Kneecap saw the decision as a win for freedom of expression. Outside court, Ó hAnnaidh told reporters the case was “never about me… it was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.”

Bandmate Móglaí Bap told BBC News NI that the group was relieved and ready to focus again on political and cultural issues. Their manager, Daniel Lambert, said on social media: “We have won. Liam Óg is a free man. Kneecap has NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER.”

Reaction and Wider Impact

Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill supported the outcome, saying the charges reflected attempts to silence activists speaking about Gaza. She called the dismissal an important defense of free speech in politically sensitive cases.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it is reviewing the court’s decision and may consider an appeal. The Metropolitan Police also acknowledged the ruling and said they will work with CPS to understand how it affects future terrorism-related prosecutions.

Kneecap has been a controversial but influential Irish-language rap group since 2017, known for political lyrics and activism. They previously challenged the UK government over an arts grant withdrawal and won. Their story inspired a BAFTA-winning film starring Michael Fassbender released in early 2025.

The dismissal of the terrorism charge marks a major legal and cultural moment for Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh. It also signals challenges for UK authorities when pursuing politically sensitive speech-related cases under counter-terrorism laws.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Why was Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh’s terrorism charge dismissed?

The court ruled the charge was unlawful because prosecutors missed the six-month time limit and failed to get required approvals from the DPP and AG.

Q2: What was Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh accused of?

He was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a November 2024 concert in London, which prosecutors argued breached UK terrorism laws.

Q3: Could prosecutors appeal the decision?

The CPS said it is reviewing the ruling and may consider an appeal, but no formal appeal has been filed yet.

Q4: How did Kneecap react to the ruling?

The band and supporters celebrated, calling it a victory for free speech and political activism. They said the case was unjust and flawed.

Q5: Who supported Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh publicly?

First Minister Michelle O’Neill backed him, criticizing attempts to silence voices on issues like Gaza. Fans and activists also expressed support.