Kneecap Wins Legal Battle: Terrorism Charge Dropped After High Court Rejects Appeal
Belfast rap trio Kneecap celebrate a significant legal victory as terrorism charges against member Mo Chara are dismissed after a High Court appeal fails. The group maintains their focus on broader political issues.
Following a protracted legal battle, Kneecap's Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) will not face terrorism charges after the High Court rejected an appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service.
The charges stemmed from an incident at London’s O2 Forum Kentish Town on November 21, 2024, where Ó hAnnaidh allegedly displayed the flag of Hezbollah and shouted slogans. Kneecap has consistently denied supporting Hamas or Hezbollah, asserting that their performances, scrutinized by counter-terrorism police, were taken out of context and described the legal action as a "carnival of distraction". Ó hAnnaidh stated he didn't recognize the flag and that his comments were a joke made in character.
After three court appearances, where they invited fans to show support, the charges were initially thrown out on a technicality in September. Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled the charge against Ó hAnnaidh "unlawful" because prosecutors needed the attorney general’s permission to charge Ó hAnnaidh but the charge consequently fell outside the six-month timeframe.
Lord Justice Edis and Justice Linden upheld Goldspring’s decision, stating it hinged on a "narrow and technical legal issue" unrelated to the alleged offense. They expressed concern that the charge, deemed appropriate by the DPP and attorney general, would not be adjudicated.
In response, Kneecap posted on Instagram: "Get in!!!!!! Kneecap: 3 Brit Govt: 0. The worlds biggest terrorists are the leaders of the British state. Free Palestine. Free the six counties."
They followed up with a video compilation of performances and supporter footage, including Ó hAnnaidh addressing the crowd outside the court wearing a keffiyeh. “Easy Peasy – never in doubt 💚🤍🧡,” they wrote. “Free Palestine.”
At a Belfast press conference, Ó hAnnaidh emphasized the case's insignificance compared to the situation in Palestine: "This is bigger than us. Whatever kind of stress that we felt, it’s minimal compared to the stress put on the families in Gaza. We’ll continue to use whatever platform we have to talk about Gaza.” He added that Kneecap would continue to speak out, despite losing gigs.
Kneecap’s solicitor, Darragh Mackin of Phoenix Law, called the prosecution a "legally laughable witch-hunt...born at Coachella, cultivated in Westminster, and comes to an end in West Belfast," criticizing the waste of public funds.
A CPS spokesperson stated they accept the judgment and will update their processes.
Previously, Kneecap accused the UK government of wasting over £1 million on the case. The band restated that the proceedings diverted attention from the suffering in Palestine, saying, “Today more Palestinians were murdered by Israel...That is the ONLY thing about this whole witch-hunt worth talking about.”
Kneecap is set to release their new album ‘FENIAN’ via Heavenly Recordings on April 24. They will also be joining the Nuestra América Convoy to Cuba next week to deliver aid.
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