Kneecap rapper celebrates legal victory as terrorism case ends

Kneecap rapper Mo Chara is celebrating a major legal victory after his terrorism charge was dismissed in court on Friday.

The 27-year-old artist, who performs in the Irish language and whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was first charged in May for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance in London in November 2024.

At a hearing held at Woolwich Crown Court, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring dismissed the case, ruling that "Proceedings against the defendant were instituted unlawfully and are null."

He explained that the case could not stand because it was not filed within the six-month legal deadline, meaning the proceedings were “not instituted in the correct form.”

BBC News reported that the courtroom broke into applause when the decision was read out. As Ó hAnnaidh left the building, his parents embraced him, saying they were "delighted" the ordeal had come to an end.

Outside the court, Ó hAnnaidh insisted the charge was never about terrorism but instead linked to the group’s outspoken support for Palestine amid the continuing conflict in the Middle East.

"This process was never about me. It was never about threats to the public. It was never about terrorism. It was always about Gaza, about what happens when you dare to speak up," he said.

"Your attempts to silence us have failed, because we are right, and you are wrong. We will not be silent. We said we would fight you in your court and we would win. We have."

The group’s manager, Daniel Lambert, expressed his relief on social media, writing: "Liam Óg is a free man. We said we would fight them and win. We did. Kneecap has no charges or convictions in any country, ever."

Kneecap, which also includes members Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí, formed in 2017. They gained widespread recognition with their 2024 film Kneecap and for headline-making performances at both Coachella and Glastonbury this year.

The trio were forced to cancel their 15-date U.S. tour scheduled for October because of the ongoing legal case and its proximity to the court hearing.