London court dismisses terror-related charge against Kneecap member

LONDON — A London court on Friday dismissed a terror-related charge against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, a member of the Irish-language hip-hop group Kneecap, after prosecutors failed to properly bring the case. Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a single count for waving a Hezbollah flag at a London concert last year. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring at Woolwich Crown Court said the proceedings were unlawful and null, adding, "These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null." The judge ordered the charge be struck from the record. The ruling underscores the complexity of cases tied to symbols associated with designated terrorist organizations in Britain and comes as Kneecap has faced scrutiny from critics for its political statements.

The decision centered on a procedural technicality in how the charge was brought rather than an assessment of guilt or innocence on the underlying allegations. The flag incident occurred during a Kneecap performance in London, at a time when Hezbollah is banned in Britain as a terrorist organization. The case had raised questions about the line between protest, expression and criminal liability in the realm of counterterrorism law. The court’s ruling means the specific charge against Ó hAnnaidh cannot proceed under its current form, though it does not address broader issues related to the group’s activities.

Ó hAnnaidh, 27, had argued the prosecution amounted to a politically motivated bid to silence the band’s support for Palestinians amid the war in Gaza. Kneecap has been a lightning rod for controversy since its rise, with critics accusing the group of glorifying militant groups. The band has said it does not support Hezbollah or Hamas and that it does not condone violence. The group has pushed back against what it calls attempts to silence it over its political stance, saying its aim is to raise awareness and spark conversation rather than advocate violence.

The case is part of a broader pattern of scrutiny over political messaging by musicians in Europe and beyond. Kneecap has previously drawn attention and controversy for statements perceived by some as supportive of Palestinian causes, and the band has acknowledged that its rhetoric can provoke strong reactions. In addition to its legal entanglements in the United Kingdom, Kneecap has faced bans in other countries, including Hungary and Canada, reflecting the contentious reception to its work among governments and audiences alike. supporters of the Palestinian cause have cited the group’s music as a form of cultural expression in a region marked by protracted conflict, while critics have argued that certain messages could normalize or romanticize militant outfits.

The court’s ruling closes the chapter on this particular terror-related charge in London, at least as framed by the current complaint. The decision does not address any unrelated investigations or allegations that could involve the artist or the group in the future. For Kneecap, the outcome removes a legal stain from a moment that had already become a flashpoint in discussions over free expression, political advocacy, and national security in Britain.

As the legal process moves forward in other cases involving symbols tied to designated organizations, observers will watch to see how prosecutors adjust charging practices to avoid technical flaws while continuing to pursue legitimate counterterrorism interests. The ruling also leaves open questions about how similar cases might be evaluated if the focus shifts from the symbol itself to intent, context, and public impact during live performances.