An Irish-language rapper from the punk-rap ensemble Kneecap has successfully avoided a terrorism charge following a significant legal victory in the United Kingdom. The High Court dismissed an appeal by UK prosecutors on Wednesday, upholding a lower court’s decision to throw out the case against Liam O’Hanna, a member of the group. This ruling marks a crucial moment for the artist, who had faced serious allegations linked to a flag display at a London concert.
Liam O’Hanna, known by his stage name Mo Chara and formally named Liam Og O hAnnaidh in Irish, was initially charged in May last year under the UK’s Terrorism Act of 2000. The charge stemmed from an incident at a November 2024 concert in London where he was accused of displaying a flag associated with Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group designated as proscribed by the UK government due to its links with Iran. The case attracted considerable attention due to its political and cultural implications, as well as the controversial nature of the allegations.
Despite the gravity of the charges, O’Hanna was released in September after Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring identified a procedural flaw concerning the timing of the charge. The magistrate ruled that the prosecution had failed to file the written charge within the legally mandated six-month period following the alleged offence. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) challenged this decision in January, arguing that the magistrate had made an error in interpreting the timing rules. However, the High Court’s two-judge panel ultimately sided with the magistrate, emphasizing that no valid charge had been issued within the required timeframe.
The court’s detailed 13-page judgment clarified that although O’Hanna was formally charged on May 21, exactly six months after the concert, the Attorney General’s approval for the charge came a day later. This delay, though seemingly minor, was enough to render the prosecution invalid under the strict legal limits. O’Hanna’s defense team had maintained from the outset that this timing discrepancy meant the case should be dismissed, a position now vindicated by the High Court’s ruling.
Following the verdict, O’Hanna addressed a press conference in Belfast, expressing his relief and frustration. He criticized the UK government for what he described as a baseless attempt to label him a terrorist, calling the entire legal process a “witch hunt.” His comments also included sharp accusations against London for allegedly supporting various conflicts in the Middle East, a stance that has been a recurring theme in his public statements and artistic work. The event was attended by his Kneecap bandmates JJ O Dochartaigh (DJ Provai) and Naoise O Caireallain (Moglai Bap), as well as supporters who celebrated the court’s decision.
Fans and supporters at the Belfast gathering expressed pride and solidarity with the group. Kevin Gamble, a longtime fan, remarked that the ruling reinforced the band’s decision to challenge the British legal system and emerge victorious. Bernie Devlin, another supporter holding a Palestinian flag, voiced admiration for the band’s roots in West Belfast and their outspoken political stance. Meanwhile, Darragh Mackin, O’Hanna’s solicitor, described the prosecution attempt as “legally laughable” and reiterated that the case was nothing more than a politically motivated campaign against the artist.
The CPS acknowledged the High Court’s clarification on the application of the law in such cases and stated that it would adjust its procedures accordingly. The prosecution had been initiated after a video surfaced showing O’Hanna allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag during the London concert, an act the rapper has consistently denied. Kneecap, known for performing in the Irish language and vocally supporting Palestinian causes, has faced multiple setbacks internationally due to their political views. Notably, Canada banned the group last year over alleged ties to Hezbollah and Hamas, while their Paris concert in September proceeded despite protests from Jewish groups and government officials.
Despite these controversies, Kneecap has maintained a strong presence on the global music scene. The band performed at England’s renowned Glastonbury Festival in June and attracted large crowds during their Tokyo concerts in January. Their music and activism continue to spark debate, reflecting the complex intersection of art, politics, and identity in today’s world.
