The terror case against Irish rap group Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh (AKA Mo Chara) has been thrown out following a technical error.

Kneecap rapper Mo Chara who was charged for allegedly waving a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah whilst performing t the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.

The 27-year-old always denied the accusation and branded the ordeal as a political witchunt.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against Mr Ó hAnnaidh was “unlawful” and “null”.

Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s defence team argued that the charge was not brought within the six-month time limit.

In his judgement the chief magistrate outlined that permission was not given to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to consent to the prosecution until 22 May, a day after Mr Ó hAnnaidh was charged.

The chief magistrate explained the reasoning for his decision:

“I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary DPP and AG (Attorney General) consent within the six-month statutory time limit.”

The police failed to ask the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in time to charge him.

He said the court had “no jurisdiction to try the charge”.

The court erupted into applause as the ruling was handed down.

Jude Bunting KC told the court: “This case was every bit unjustified as it was flawed”.

“It was never about Terrorism”

Mo Chara said:

“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.

“Your attempts to silence us have failed because we’re right and you’re wrong.”

Fellow kneecap member Móglaí Bap told BBC News NI that the band was “feeling great” and was “Happy this is done, we can talk about Palestine and stop talking about Kneecap,”.