THE terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh has been thrown out due to a technical error.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was seen entering court this morning in the group’s trademark balaclava and sunglasses.
GettyKneecap’s Liam Og O hAnnaidh arrives at Woolwich Crown Court this morning[/caption]
PAThe Kneecap rapper arriving for a previous hearing earlier this year[/caption]
AlamyKneecap performing at Glastonbury[/caption]
He was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November last year.
It comes after the Northern Irish group’s performance at Glastonbury in June, saw them lead a “free Palestine” chant before leading five chants against the Prime Minister.
Sir Keir Starmer had told The Sun days earlier that it was “not appropriate” for the band to appear at the festival amid the court case.
At Woolwich Crown Court on Friday, chief magistrate Paul Goldspring agreed with O hAnnaidh’s lawyers, who argued that the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on May 21.
In his judgement, Mr Goldspring said: “These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null.”
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has welcomed decision, saying: “These charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza.
“Kneecap have used their platform on stages across the world to expose this genocide, and it is the responsibility of all of us to continue speaking out and standing against injustice in Palestine.
Kneecap’s manager Daniel Lambert wrote on X: “We have won!!!!!!
“Liam Og is a free man. We said we would fight them and win.
“We did (Twice). Kneecap has NO charges OR convictions in ANY country, EVER.
“Political policing has failed. Kneecap is on the right side of history. Britain is not.
“Free Palestine.”
In a statement issued before his appearance on Friday, Kneecap criticised the Metropolitan Police for removing “our supporters from anywhere close to the court entrance”.
The group said the force had issued a “section 14” order for outside the court building “to prevent serious disorder, damage, disruption, impact or intimidation”.
ReutersOg O hAnnaidh raises his fist to the crowd this morning[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
