Terror case against Kneecap rapper thrown out

The terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.

He was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denied the charge and has described it as political.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against Mr Ó hAnnaidh was "unlawful" and "null".

The court erupted into applause as the judge handed down the ruling.

As Mr Ó hAnnaidh left the court his parents hugged him and said they were "delighted" it was over.

First Minister Michelle O'Neill has welcomed the ruling.

The case was due to be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court but was moved to Woolwich, due to a burst water main.

Hezbollah is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and it is a crime to express support for them.

During a court appearance on 20 August legal arguments around whether the charge was brought within the six-month time limit were heard.

His defence team were seeking to throw the case out, citing a technical error in the way the charge was brought against Mr Ó hAnnaidh.