UK Prosecutors Seek Reinstatement of Terrorism Charge Against Kneecap Rapper

British Prosecutors Challenge Dismissal of Terrorism Charge Against Rapper Liam O’Hanna

A High Court challenge has been launched by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) against a judge’s decision to dismiss a terrorism charge against rapper Liam O’Hanna. The CPS is seeking to reinstate the charge, which was originally brought in May 2024, after a video emerged of O’Hanna allegedly displaying a flag associated with Hezbollah during a concert in London.

O’Hanna, who performs under the name Mo Chara, was charged with breaching the UK’s 2000 Terrorism Act for displaying the flag at the November 21, 2024, concert. The charge was thrown out in September by a chief magistrate, citing a technical error in the case’s institution.

In written submissions, the CPS argues that the judge erred in dismissing the case, stating that the proceedings were not instituted in the correct form. Kneecap, the Irish rap group behind O’Hanna, has denied any wrongdoing and claims that the prosecution is an attempt to distract from British complicity in Israel’s actions against Palestinians.

The band has called the CPS’s actions a “waste of public time and public money.” Approximately 100 supporters of Kneecap attended the court hearing, holding Irish and Palestinian flags and singing songs. O’Hanna did not attend the hearing, but his bandmate and manager were present alongside lawyers representing the group.

The case is ongoing, with Kneecap promising to “win again” in their legal filings. The CPS has argued that permission was required by the time O’Hanna first appeared in court, allowing the case to proceed.

Source: Al Jazeera