UK Court Dismisses Terrorism Charge Against Northern Irish Punk Rapper Liam O’Hanna

A UK court has dismissed a terrorism charge against Liam O’Hanna, a Northern Irish singer from the punk rap band Kneecap, sparking celebrations among supporters. The ruling, delivered on Friday at Woolwich Crown Court in London, cited a procedural error that rendered the charge invalid.

Judge Paul Goldspring declared the case unlawful and stated, "This court has no jurisdiction to try the charge." This decision led to cheers inside and outside the courtroom as O’Hanna was formally acquitted.

Speaking to supporters after the ruling, O’Hanna emphasized that attempts to silence the band’s outspoken stance on Palestinian issues had ultimately failed. "It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up," he said. "Your attempts to silence us have failed because we’re right and you’re wrong."

O’Hanna, who also performs under the name Mo Chara, faced a single count stemming from a video shown at a 2023 concert in London. The footage allegedly showed him displaying a Hezbollah flag, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK since 2019. The charge carried a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years.

The accused denied the allegations and his legal team challenged the timeliness of the prosecution. Ultimately, the judge agreed that the charge was improperly brought.

Darragh Mackin, the lawyer representing O’Hanna, characterized the case as a politically motivated persecution disguised as a legal proceeding, hailing the verdict as "a victory for the freedom of expression."

Kneecap, known for their provocative lyrics and vocal support for Palestinian causes, have drawn controversy and bans internationally, including cancellations of concerts and tours. The group claims their work is often satirical and not to be taken literally, insisting they have never supported Hamas or Hezbollah.

The case unfolds amid heightened tension in the UK around the policing of banned organizations, with numerous arrests tied to demonstrations linked to groups like Palestine Action, which the government recently outlawed following a damaging protest.

Kneecap's blend of Northern Irish political commentary, punk-rap fusion, and confrontational activism has made them a divisive yet influential force since their 2017 formation, further amplified by a critically acclaimed semi-fictional film about the group released last year.

The recent court ruling serves as a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over artistic freedom, political expression, and the limits of anti-terrorism laws within the UK.