**Kneecap Supporters Rally as Terrorism Case Appeal is Heard**
Supporters of the rap trio Kneecap gathered outside the High Court on Wednesday as judges reviewed an appeal from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) regarding the dismissal of a terrorism case against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, known by his stage name Mo Chara. O hAnnaidh was charged in May 2025 for allegedly displaying a flag supporting the proscribed terrorist group Hezbollah during a performance in London in November 2024. However, the case was dismissed in September on technical grounds.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring stated at Woolwich Crown Court that the charge was “unlawful” and that he lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the case, prompting the CPS to appeal the ruling. JJ O’Dochartaigh, also known as DJ Provai, and manager Daniel Lambert were present at the High Court appeal, where they were met by both supporters and protesters, similar to previous hearings.
After a full day of court proceedings, Lord Justice Edis and Mr. Justice Linden announced that they would deliver their judgment at a later date.
The original case was dismissed because O hAnnaidh’s legal team argued that the CPS should have obtained permission from the Attorney General, the chief legal adviser to the Crown, before charging him with a terrorism offense. This permission was granted a day after the charge was announced, which the court noted fell outside the six-month timeframe for bringing such charges. The performance in question occurred on November 21, 2024.
The Chief Magistrate agreed with O hAnnaidh’s lawyers, concluding that the proceedings were “instituted unlawfully.” In response, the CPS expressed its belief that there was a significant legal point that needed clarification. During the High Court session, Paul Jarvis KC, representing the CPS, contended that the Attorney General’s permission was in place before O hAnnaidh’s initial court appearance on June 18, asserting that the necessary legal requirements were met. He argued that the Chief Magistrate had erred in his interpretation of the law when dismissing the case.
Conversely, Jude Bunting KC, representing O hAnnaidh, maintained that the Chief Magistrate’s findings were “unassailably correct,” emphasizing the validity of the dismissal.
As the case continues to unfold, the implications for O hAnnaidh and the broader legal context surrounding terrorism charges remain significant.
**FAQ**
*What was the basis for the dismissal of the terrorism case against Liam Og O hAnnaidh?*
The case was dismissed on technical grounds, as the court found that the CPS had not obtained the necessary permission from the Attorney General before charging O hAnnaidh, which fell outside the legal timeframe for such charges.
