Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
BBC News NI journalists Kelly Bonner and Barry O’Connor reported that the terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been dismissed due to a technical error in the charge against him. Mr. Ó hAnnaidh faced charges in May for allegedly displaying a flag in support of the proscribed organization Hezbollah at a performance in London in November 2024. Denying the charge, the 27-year-old, known as Mo Chara, deemed it political.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring declared the charge against Mr. Ó hAnnaidh as “unlawful” and “null” at Woolwich Crown Court. He highlighted the failure to obtain necessary Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) and Attorney General (AG) consent within the statutory time limit as the reason behind his decision, stating that the court lacked jurisdiction to proceed with the charge. The ruling was met with applause in court, with Jude Bunting KC remarking on the unjustified and flawed nature of the case.
Following his court appearance, Mr. Ó hAnnaidh stated that the process was never about him but rather about Gaza and speaking out against oppression. He emphasized that attempts to silence them have failed and that they stand on the side of truth. Kneecap manager Daniel Lambert celebrated the outcome on social media, asserting their victory and denouncing political policing. First Minister Michelle O’Neill also supported the ruling, condemning the charges as an effort to stifle voices against injustice.
Kneecap, a group known for their activism, has faced scrutiny for their outspoken views. The case against Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was initially set to be heard at Westminster Magistrates’ Court but was relocated to Woolwich. Despite being proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK, expressing support for Hezbollah is a criminal offense. Both the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Metropolitan Police expressed their awareness of the court’s decision and indicated potential appeals or implications moving forward
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.