Kneecap has generated widespread attention for its solidarity with Palestinians. Liam O'Hanna was facing terrorism charges after waving a flag of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah during a London concert in 2024.
A UK court has thrown out a terror charge against Liam Og O hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara as a member of Irish rap group Kneecap.
The decision was made by the court on Friday due to a technical error in the way the charge was brought forward, with chief magistrate Paul Goldspring saying prosecutors had missed the deadline to bring the charge by a day.
"These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null," he said.
O hAnnaidh, who is also known by the Anglicized name Liam O'Hanna, waved a flag of the Lebanese group Hezbollah during a London concert in 2024. Hezbollah is banned in Britain and is proscribed as a terrorist organization.
How did Kneecap react to the ruling?
A number of O'Hanna's supporters were in the public gallery at Woolwich Crown Court and let out cheers following the decision.
"We will not be silent," the rapper said outside the court after the charges against him were thrown out. "As people from Ireland, we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide."
A large number of supporters had gathered outside the court in Woolwich Image: Justin Ng/Avalon/Photoshot/picture alliance
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill was also quick to praise the decision, explaining her belief the charges were part of "a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza."
"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," she added.
Who are Kneecap?
The Belfast trio that make up Kneecap rap in English and Irish about drugs, working-class life and the reunification of Ireland.
They have faced criticism and courted controversy for political statements which seemed to glorify militant groups including Hamas and Hezbollah.
Both Canada and Hungary have previously banned the group and their set at this year's Glastonbury was not aired.
The previous British government sought to block an arts grant for the band, citing its anti-British politics, with the decision only overturned after the Labour Party won last year's election and Prime Minister Keir Starmer took office.
Edited by: Zac Crellin
[SRC] https://www.dw.com/en/kneecap-uk-throws-out-terror-case-against-rap-group-member/a-74148517