The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed it will launch an appeal after a judge dismissed the terror charges against a member of Irish-language rap trio Kneecap due to a procedural error.
Rapper Mo Chara, real name Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, was charged under the Terrorism Act after footage emerged allegedly showing him draped in a Hezbollah flag while shouting “up Hamas, up Hezbollah” during a London gig last year.
However, the case was thrown out after the judge ruled that the CPS had brought the charge outside of the six-month limit allowed by law.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred at the band’s concert in Kentish Town on November 21, 2024, while police confirmed Ó hAnnaidh had been charged on May 21 this year, exactly six months later.
Ó hAnnaidh’s lawyer, Brenda Campbell KC, told Woolwich Crown Court in August that the attorney-general’s consent was given the following day, which meant the charge fell outside the six-month window.
Speaking outside court following the ruling, Ó hAnnaidh said: “This entire process was never about me. It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism – a word used by your government to discredit people you oppress.
“It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.”
According to sources, the attorney-general's office was only asked for permission to prosecute after the deadline had already passed. The CPS claimed in a statement to the JC that it followed the “correct” procedure.
However, the CPS has confirmed that it will now be appealing the decision, saying: “We are appealing the decision to dismiss this case as we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified.”
Responding to the announcement, Kneecap issued a statement, saying: “Once again this is a massive waste of taxpayers’ money, of police time, of court time. Once again there are endless news reports about Mo Chara, about Kneecap but we are NOT the story.
“We will fight you in your court again. We will win again.”
To get more news, click here to sign up for our free daily newsletter.