Kneecap rapper Mo Chara’s terror case thrown out

The terrorism case towards Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been thrown out following a technical error in the best way the cost towards him was introduced.

He was charged in Might after allegedly displaying a flag in help of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig on the O2 Discussion board in Kentish City, London, in November 2024.

The 27-year-old, who performs underneath the stage identify Mo Chara, denied the cost and has described it as political.

Chief Justice of the Peace Paul Goldspring advised Woolwich Crown Courtroom that the cost towards Mr Ó hAnnaidh was “illegal” and “null”.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s defence had argued that the cost was not introduced inside the six-month time restrict.

In his judgement the chief Justice of the Peace outlined that permission was not given to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consent to the prosecution till 22 Might, a day after Mr Ó hAnnaidh was charged.

Outlining the explanations for his determination, the chief Justice of the Peace stated: “I discover that these proceedings weren’t instituted within the right kind, missing the mandatory DPP and AG (Lawyer Common) consent inside the six-month statutory time restrict.”

He stated the courtroom had “no jurisdiction to strive the cost”.

The courtroom erupted into applause because the ruling was handed down.

Jude Bunting KC advised the courtroom: “This case was each bit unjustified because it was flawed”.

As Mr Ó hAnnaidh left the courtroom, his mother and father hugged him and stated they had been “delighted” it was over.

Outdoors the courtroom, Mr Ó hAnnaidh stated: “This complete course of was by no means about me.

“It was by no means about any menace to the general public, it was by no means about terrorism – a phrase utilized by your authorities to discredit individuals you oppress.

“It was at all times about Gaza, about what occurs when you dare to talk up.

“Your makes an attempt to silence us have failed as a result of we’re proper and also you’re mistaken.”

Band member Móglaí Bap advised BBC Information NI that they’re “feeling nice”.

“Completely satisfied that is executed, we are able to discuss Palestine and cease speaking about Kneecap,” he stated.

In a submit on social media, Kneecap supervisor Daniel Lambert stated: “We’ve gained.

“Liam Óg is a free man. We stated we’d battle them and win. We did (Twice). Kneecap has NO costs OR convictions in ANY nation, EVER.

“Political policing has failed. Kneecap is on the correct facet of historical past. Britain just isn’t.”

First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed the ruling.

“These costs had been a part of a calculated try to silence those that rise up and converse out towards the Israeli genocide in Gaza,” she posted on X.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) stated it was “reviewing the choice of the courtroom rigorously”.

It identified that the choice might be appealed towards.

A Metropolitan Police spokesperson stated: “We’re conscious of the choice by the courtroom in relation to this case.

“We’ll work with the CPS to know the potential implications of this ruling for us and the way that may affect on the processing of such instances sooner or later.”