On September 26, 2025, the Woolwich Crown Court dismissed terrorism allegations against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara from the Irish rap group Kneecap. This was due to the prosecution’s failure to adhere to an essential legal time constraint.

The case, related to a Hezbollah flag shown at a concert, sparked debate about free speech and activism.

Why Were the Terrorism Charges Against Mo Chara Dismissed?

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring declared the case null as the prosecution had delayed in filing the charges. The law mandates consent from the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Attorney General prior to charging, but these permissions were obtained a day beyond the six-month limit.

The judge called the prosecution’s claim that consent could wait until court illogical and declared the case had no legal standing.

“If anyone on this planet is guilty of terrorism, it’s the British state.”

Mo Chara (Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh) from Kneecap addressed his supporters outside the Woolwich Crown Court in London after the dismissal of the terrorism case. pic.twitter.com/tYwLNDCQ4D

— NewstalkFM (@NewstalkFM) September 26, 2025

What Exactly Was Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh Accused Of?

Under the Terrorism Act, Mo Chara was charged for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag in a manner that implied support for a prohibited terrorist organization. Britain labels Hezbollah as a terrorist group, making any representation of its symbols unlawful.

The charges stemmed from a November 2024 concert where he purportedly displayed the flag and vocalized militant slogans. Liam asserted that the flag was thrown on stage by a fan, and he was initially unaware of its significance.

How Did Mo Chara and His Supporters Respond?

The courtroom erupted in applause at the dismissal. Outside, Ó hAnnaidh, wearing a Palestinian scarf, claimed the case was a politically motivated attempt to silence those opposing Israel’s policies in Gaza.

He said the case never concerned terrorism or public danger, but freedom to speak about Gaza. His lawyer called the case unjust and flawed, and the band’s manager celebrated on social media, saying the ruling was a defeat for political policing.

What Impact Does This Decision Have on Kneecap?

This is the group’s second legal win recently after beating the UK government over a canceled arts grant. Yet the band faces ongoing obstacles internationally: they canceled a U.S. tour, were banned from Canada (accused of promoting violence), and can’t enter Hungary.

Still, the London ruling is a major legal victory. The Crown Prosecution Service is reviewing the outcome and may appeal, while police will consider the case’s effects on future prosecutions.