Kneecap rapper has terrorism charge dismissed over Hezbollah flag

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
26 Sep 2025 18:23

A London court dismissed the terrorism charge against Kneecap's Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, ruling it was filed too late after a 2024 gig involving an alleged Hezbollah flag.

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Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, aka Mo Chara, centre, a member of the Irish language band Kneecap, applauds as he leaves Woolwich Crown Court in London, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025. (AP)

A London court on Friday dismissed a terrorism charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, ruling that the prosecution was filed beyond the legal time limit.

Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, had faced charges under the UK Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag during a Kneecap concert in London in November 2024.

At Westminster Magistrates' Court, Judge Paul Goldspring concluded that the charge was “unlawful and null,” as it had been filed after the six-month statutory limit. The court had no jurisdiction to hear the case. The ruling was met with cheers from supporters in the public gallery.

The 27-year-old artist appeared at Woolwich Crown Court for the decision, joined by fellow bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) and J.J. Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), along with dozens of supporters.

What happened?

The charge stemmed from a November 2024 performance in London where Ó hAnnaidh was accused of waving a Hezbollah flag. Authorities invoked the Terrorism Act, which prohibits displaying any article in a manner that could reasonably be interpreted as supporting a banned organization.

Kneecap previously stated the flag had been thrown onto the stage and denounced the charge as a politically motivated move aimed at silencing the group.

Based in Belfast, Kneecap is known for its political messaging and advocacy for Palestinian rights. The group performs in both Irish and English and often expresses pro-Palestine sentiments during its live shows.

Irish band #Kneecap used their #Coachella performance to deliver a fiery political message against "Israel's" war on #Gaza.

On the stage, they accused "Israel" of committing genocide against the Palestinian people and called out the #US government for enabling war crimes by… pic.twitter.com/zsBPBzZk8X
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) April 21, 2025

This is what happens when 'you dare to speak up'

The dismissal was welcomed by political figures, including Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O'Neill, who said in a post on X that the "charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza."

Speaking outside the court, Ó hAnnaidh declared: "This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public, never about terrorism. It was all about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up."