By [Sola Adeniji], M10 News Reporter
26 September 2025
Court Rules Case “Unlawful and Null”
A terror charge against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara, has been dismissed after a judge ruled the case had been brought unlawfully.
The 27-year-old artist appeared at Woolwich Crown Court on Wednesday to face a single terrorism charge, but Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring declared the proceedings “instituted unlawfully and null.”
Accused of Displaying Hezbollah Flag
Ó hAnnaidh had been accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, north London, in November 2023.
He had been on unconditional bail since his first court appearance in June.
Judge Declares Defendant Free
Delivering his ruling, Chief Magistrate Goldspring told the rapper: “Mr Ó hAnnaidh, you are free to go.”
The announcement was met with cheers and applause from supporters in the public gallery. The judge quickly reprimanded them, reminding the court, “You can do your celebrating outside. The court now has other business to attend to.”
Parents in Court to Show Support
Both of Ó hAnnaidh’s parents were present during the hearing to support their son. The rapper confirmed his name, date of birth, and address in Irish, with the assistance of an interpreter.
Rapper: “It Was Always About Gaza”
Speaking outside the courthouse, Ó hAnnaidh thanked his legal team and supporters before accusing the UK government of trying to silence dissent over Israel’s actions in Gaza.
“This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public, never about terrorism,” he said. “It was always about Gaza. About what happens if you dare to speak up.”
Linking Irish Struggles to Palestine
Ó hAnnaidh compared Palestinian suffering to Ireland’s history of colonial oppression.
“As people from Ireland, we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide,” he told supporters. “Your attempts to silence us have failed, because we’re right and you’re wrong. We will not be silent.”
Strong Message to British Government
He went further, declaring: “If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it’s the British state. Free Palestine. Tiocfaidh ár lá [our day will come].”
The crowd erupted with chants of “Free, free Palestine” as the rapper concluded his remarks.
Judge Rejects Prosecution’s Arguments
At the start of the hearing, the chief magistrate clarified that the decision was not about Ó hAnnaidh’s innocence or guilt, but about whether the case had been properly brought before the court.
He sided with the defence, who argued the Attorney General had not granted permission for the case before police informed Ó hAnnaidh of the charge in May.
“Defies Logic,” Says Magistrate
Goldspring ruled that criminal proceedings are instituted when a charge is first issued — not when the defendant appears in court.
He concluded: “I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP and AG consent within the statutory time limit. Consequently, the charge is unlawful and null.”
He added that prosecution arguments claiming consent could be obtained later “defy logic.”
Police Response
Following the ruling, the Metropolitan Police said it would work with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to examine the implications.
“We will work with the CPS to understand the potential implications of this ruling for us and how that might impact the processing of such cases in the future,” a spokesperson said.
Kneecap Manager: “Right Side of History”
Kneecap’s manager, Daniel Lambert, praised the outcome.
“We said we would fight them and win. We did — twice,” he posted on X. “Kneecap has no charges or convictions in any country, ever.”
Previous Discrimination Case
The ruling comes a year after Kneecap won a discrimination case against the UK government. At the time, then-business secretary Kemi Badenoch attempted to block the group from receiving a £14,250 funding award.
The decision was overturned, and Kneecap described the move as politically motivated.
Political Reaction
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill welcomed Wednesday’s ruling, accusing the UK government of attempting to silence criticism of Israel.
“These charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza,” O’Neill said.
“Exposing Genocide”
She added: “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.”
Sinn Féin Leader Speaks Out
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald echoed those sentiments, writing on X: “Mo Chara spoke out against Israel’s genocide, for the people of Gaza, for a free Palestine.
“The charges were an attempt to silence the protest. It failed. He’s free. Kneecaps are not the story. Genocide is the story.”
Venue Change
The hearing had originally been scheduled for Westminster Magistrates’ Court but was moved to Woolwich following a burst mains pipe at the original venue.
Broader Context
The case has drawn attention to how terrorism legislation is applied, with critics arguing it risks criminalising political expression.
Supporters of Kneecap say the ruling underscores the importance of safeguarding free speech, particularly in relation to controversial issues such as Palestine.
End of Proceedings
As the hearing concluded, Chief Magistrate Goldspring reiterated that the court had no jurisdiction to pursue the charge.
For Ó hAnnaidh and Kneecap, the ruling marked the end of a high-profile legal battle — but also the beginning of renewed political momentum around their message.
