- The terrorism case against Kneecap’s Mo Chara has been adjourned until September 26, 2025.
- The defence argues the charge was filed one day outside the legal six-month limit due to a delay in obtaining the Attorney General’s consent.
- The prosecution contends that consent was not needed for the initial charge and that the case was brought within the deadline.
The terrorism case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara of the Irish rap group Kneecap, has been adjourned until September 26th after a London court heard arguments over a potential “technical blunder” in the timing of the charges.
The case, which has drawn significant attention and protests, centers on allegations that Ó hAnnaidh displayed a Hezbollah flag during a concert, a charge he and his band vehemently deny, calling it “political policing”.
Kneecap’s Mo Chara Charged Under Terrorism Act
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, the 27-year-old member of the Irish-language rap trio Kneecap, was charged in May 2025 under the Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a November 2024 concert at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London. The charge specifically accuses him of supporting a proscribed organization, as Hezbollah has been banned in the UK since 2019.
The Metropolitan Police’s counter-terrorism unit investigated video footage from the event, which allegedly showed Ó hAnnaidh holding the flag while saying, “Up Hamas, up Hezbollah.”
However, the band has consistently denied these accusations, asserting that the video was taken out of context and that the flag was thrown onto the stage by an audience member. This case has sparked significant controversy, with Kneecap framing it as an attempt to silence their political expression, particularly their criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza and their support for Palestinian rights.
Kneecap’s Statement (from a social media post): “We deny this ‘offence’ and will vehemently defend ourselves. This is political policing. This is a carnival of distraction. We are not the story. Genocide is… As they profit from genocide, they use an ‘anti-terror law’ against us for displaying a flag thrown on stage… We stand proudly with the people. You stand complicit with the war criminals. We are on the right side of history. You are not. We will fight you in court. We will win. Free Palestine.”
Hundreds of supporters gathered outside Westminster Magistrates Court ahead of a second appearance by a member of the rap trio Kneecap.
Mo Chara is accused of supporting a proscribed terror organisation by displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.… pic.twitter.com/niip8Zg2eD
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) August 20, 2025
Westminster Court Sees Massive Show of Support for Mo Chara
Upon his arrival at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 20, 2025, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was greeted by hundreds of passionate supporters.
The crowd, which included fellow band members Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Móglaí Bap) and JJ Ó Dochartaigh (DJ Próvaí), created a festival-like atmosphere with chants of “Free, Free Mo Chara,” waving Irish tricolours and Palestinian flags. The scene mirrored his first court appearance in June, underscoring the strong public backing for the artist.
Sinn Féin MP John Finucane was among those addressing the crowd, solidifying the support from Northern Irish political figures. The Metropolitan Police had pre-emptively imposed Public Order Act conditions on the demonstration, restricting it to specific designated areas to “prevent serious disruption.” This move was criticized by the band as a “calculated political decision” designed to portray their support as troublesome.
John Finucane’s Address to supporters: “We will be here tomorrow, we will be here next week, we will be here next month… We will be here as long as is necessary, with one clear voice and one clear message, free Palestine, free Mo Chara, tiochfaidh ar lá” (an Irish phrase meaning “our day will come”)
Legal Team Argues Terrorism Charge Was Brought Outside Time Limit
The core of the August 20th hearing was a legal argument focused on a procedural technicality. Ó hAnnaidh’s defence team, led by barrister Blinne Ní Ghrálaigh and Brenda Campbell KC, sought to have the case thrown out, contending that the charge was brought outside the legally mandated six-month time limit. They argued that while the Metropolitan Police issued a “notice of criminal charge” on May 21st, the required consent from the Attorney General, Richard Hermer, was not officially granted until May 22nd. The defence asserted that, under the Terrorism Act, proceedings are only officially “instituted” once this consent is given, making the charge a day late and therefore invalid. This technical argument could prove fatal to the prosecution’s case if the judge rules in the defence’s favour.
Brenda Campbell KC for the defence told the court: “The Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought against the defendant when police informed him he was to face a terror charge on May 21st.”
Prosecution Claims Consent Not Required for Initial Charge
In opposition to the defence’s application, prosecutor Michael Bisgrove argued for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that the case should proceed.
The prosecution’s counter-argument rested on two main points: firstly, that the initial charge issued on May 21st was valid, and secondly, that the Attorney General’s consent is not legally required at the moment of charging but is instead necessary only by the time of the defendant’s first court appearance where they engage with the charge.
Bisgrove maintained that the re-issued charge on May 22nd was merely a procedural formality and that the overall prosecution was initiated within the strict six-month deadline. This fundamental disagreement over legal procedure forced the judge to reserve his judgment for a later date.
Prosecutor Michael Bisgrove argued in court: “The Attorney General consent is not required until a court appearance at which the defendant engages with a charge.”
Judge Goldspring Reserves Judgment on Technical Jurisdiction Question
After hearing several hours of complex legal arguments from both sides, Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring announced that he would reserve his judgment. Acknowledging the desire for a “speedy resolution,” he stated that he needed time to consider the technical legal arguments before making a ruling on whether the court has jurisdiction to hear the case.
This decision means that Ó hAnnaidh, who was released on continuing unconditional bail, must return to Westminster Magistrates’ Court on September 26th, 2025. The judge’s upcoming ruling will solely determine whether the case can proceed based on the timing of the charge; it will not address the factual evidence of the alleged offence itself.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring stated: “I am conscious and anxious that a speedy resolution will be wanted – not just for defendant. I will reserve my judgment for a couple of weeks.” 5
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Last Updated on August 20, 2025 by 247 News Around The World
