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On September 26, 2025, Woolwich Crown Court acquitted Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara from the Irish rap group Kneecap, of terrorism charges because the prosecutors missed a crucial legal deadline.
The case, related to a Hezbollah flag shown at a concert, sparked debate about free speech and activism.
Why Were the Terrorism Charges Against Mo Chara Dismissed?
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring declared the case invalid since the prosecution filed the charges after the deadline. The law necessitates approval from both the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General before proceeding, but these consents were obtained a day beyond the six-month limit.
The judge called the prosecution’s claim that consent could wait until court illogical and declared the case had no legal standing.
“If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it’s the British state.”
Kneecap’s Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) addressed supporters outside London’s Woolwich Crown Court after the terrorism charges against him were dismissed. pic.twitter.com/tYwLNDCQ4D
— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 26, 2025
What Exactly Was Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh Accused Of?
Under the Terrorism Act, the rapper was charged with showing a Hezbollah flag in a way that suggested support for a banned terrorist group. Britain classifies Hezbollah as terrorist, making the display of its symbols illegal.
The charge came from a November 2024 concert when he allegedly wore the flag and chanted militant slogans. Liam said the flag was thrown onstage by a fan and he didn’t initially know its meaning.
How Did Mo Chara and His Supporters Respond?
The courtroom cheered the dismissal loudly. Outside, Ó hAnnaidh wore a Palestinian scarf and told supporters that the case was a political attack silencing critics of Israel’s Gaza policy.
He said the case never concerned terrorism or public danger, but freedom to speak about Gaza. His lawyer called the case unjust and flawed, and the band’s manager celebrated on social media, saying the ruling was a defeat for political policing.
What Impact Does This Decision Have on Kneecap?
This is the group’s second legal win recently after beating the UK government over a canceled arts grant. Yet the band faces ongoing obstacles internationally: they canceled a U.S. tour, were banned from Canada (accused of promoting violence), and can’t enter Hungary.
Still, the London ruling is a major legal victory. The Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing the outcome and may appeal, while police will consider the case’s effects on future prosecutions.
