Kneecap rapper, Mo Chara, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh, has been spared from a new terrorism trial as the High Court rejected an appeal by the Crown Prosecution Service to reinstate the case. Two judges at the High Court upheld the initial decision to dismiss the case, as announced in a judgment on Wednesday.
Mo Chara faced allegations of displaying support for Hezbollah, a banned terrorist group, during a performance at O2 Forum in Kentish Town in November 2024. The charge was dropped last September, but the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) later appealed the decision in January at the High Court. However, the appeal was dismissed with Mo Chara’s opposition.
Judge Goldspring concurred with Mo Chara’s legal team that prior approval from the Attorney General was required before charging the rapper. The prosecutors informed Mo Chara on May 21 that he would face a terrorism charge, but the necessary permission was only sought and granted the following day. This meant that the charge exceeded the six-month timeframe for bringing criminal charges against a defendant.
In the recent ruling, Lord Justice Edis, along with Mr Justice Linden, affirmed that the judge was correct in asserting that he lacked jurisdiction to try any offense allegedly committed on September 21, 2025. The judges clarified that Mo Chara had neither been tried nor convicted for the alleged offense.
Mo Chara expressed gratitude to his legal team for upholding justice and emphasized that the case was never about terrorism but rather about advocating for Palestine. The band’s solicitor, Darragh Mackin, criticized the prosecution as unlawful and emphasized the importance of the rule of law prevailing despite political pressures.
Following the court decision, Mo Chara stated that Kneecap would continue using their platform to raise awareness about Palestine without fear of consequences. The band vowed to remain vocal on the issue despite facing restrictions and canceled gigs due to the legal proceedings.
Supporters gathered at the conference venue to show solidarity with the band, displaying banners advocating for the freedom of Palestine. Kneecap, comprised of Liam Og O hAnnaidh, Naoise O Caireallain, and JJ O Dochartaigh, posted a notice on Instagram calling for a press conference after the court ruling.
The band, known for their controversial lyrics in Irish and English, has faced scrutiny in the past for their statements at live performances. Despite controversies, Kneecap remains dedicated to using their music to address social and political issues.