Terrorism charges against rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the group Kneecap, have been dismissed due to a technical error, as ruled by Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring at Woolwich Crown Court. Ó hAnnaidh faced the charge for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance at the O2 Forum in London last November. His defense argued that the attorney general had not granted the necessary permission for the charges, which Goldspring accepted, declaring the charge “unlawful” due to procedural mistakes.

The chief magistrate noted that proper consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the attorney general was not obtained within the required six-month timeframe. The Crown Prosecution Service stated it is reviewing the ruling, considering a potential appeal.

Outside the court, supporters celebrated the decision, with many holding flags and signs advocating for Ó hAnnaidh. Political figures, including West Belfast MP Paul Maskey and Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill, praised the outcome. Maskey emphasized the importance of free expression in addressing alleged injustices in Gaza. Ó hAnnaidh’s manager proclaimed victory for Kneecap, asserting that political efforts to silence the group had failed.



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