A London choose has dismissed a terrorism charge towards Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the Kneecap rapper who goes by Mo Chara. The musician’s protection workforce had argued that the cost—stemming from a November 2024 incident during which Mo Chara allegedly displayed the Hezbollah flag throughout a live performance—fell exterior the statute of limitations, and the choose agreed.
“I discover that these proceedings weren’t instituted within the appropriate kind, missing the mandatory DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] and AG [Attorney General] consent inside the six-month statutory time restrict,” Chief Justice of the Peace Paul Goldspring mentioned, in response to BBC News NI. He added that the courtroom had “no jurisdiction to strive the cost.”
Mo Chara and his Kneecap bandmates have been vocal advocates for Palestinian rights and harsh critics of Israel. The Irish rappers have additionally denounced Hezbollah and Hamas, two militant teams which are thought-about terrorist organizations by the UK.
“This complete course of was by no means about me,” Mo Chara informed suporters exterior the courthouse. “It was by no means about any risk to the general public; it was by no means about terrorism—a phrase utilized by your authorities to discredit folks you oppress.”
“It was all the time about Gaza, about what occurs for those who dare to talk up,” he added. “Your makes an attempt to silence us have failed as a result of we’re proper and also you’re unsuitable.”
Kneecap just lately canceled a U.S. tour, citing the exhibits proximity to Mo Chara’s courtroom date. Kneecap had nonetheless deliberate to play October live shows in Canada, however they’ve been barred from coming into the nation, with a Canadian official accusing the group of amplifying political violence and displaying antisemitic symbols. Kneecap have additionally been banned from Hungary, and a authorities spokesman additionally cited the band’s alleged antisemitism and assist for terrorism. Kneecap have opposed each bans.
