A UK magistrate has dismissed terror charges against Mo Chara, a member of the rap group Kneecap, citing essential procedural errors by prosecutors who failed to obtain required legal consent within the mandatory timeframe.
Judge Paul Goldspring ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction because the case was “instituted unlawfully,” effectively nullifying the proceedings against the Northern Irish rapper.
Court lacked jurisdiction in unlawfully instituted case, nullifying proceedings against the Northern Irish rapper.
The charge stemmed from a November 2024 London concert where Mo Chara allegedly displayed a Hezbollah flag, potentially violating UK laws prohibiting public support of proscribed terrorist organizations.
Prosecutors filed charges on May 21, 2025, exactly six months after the incident, but fundamentally failed to secure the required approval from either the UK Attorney General or Director of Public Prosecutions—a procedural prerequisite for terrorism prosecutions.
In response to the dismissal, the Crown Prosecution Service has announced its intention to appeal the ruling, a move that would potentially reinstate the terrorism charge against Mo Chara.
The CPS has stated that the appeal seeks legal clarification on procedural obligations for future terrorism cases.
The CPS decision has drawn sharp criticism from Kneecap and their supporters, who characterized the appeal as “a massive waste” of taxpayer money and court resources.
The case has taken on broader political dimensions, with Kneecap claiming the prosecution resulted from pressure by pro-Israel political groups targeting their pro-Palestinian stance.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill has condemned the charges as attempts to silence dissent regarding the Gaza conflict, while the rapper and his group have emphasized their continued activism against Israeli military actions.
During the dismissal hearing, family members and fans vocally demonstrated their support for Mo Chara, who has consistently denied supporting Hezbollah.
Ó hAnnaidh, whose stage name is Mo Chara, has emphasized that the prosecution was an attempt to silence voices speaking out about the suffering in Gaza, drawing parallels to Irish historical experiences with oppression.
The legal proceedings highlight the delicate balance between free expression and anti-terror legislation in the UK, particularly the high procedural standards required for terrorism prosecutions to prevent potential misuse of such serious charges.
If the appeal proceeds, Mo Chara and Kneecap have vowed to continue their legal fight, transforming the case into a symbolic battle over political speech and the application of anti-terror measures.
Music rights experts note that artists like Mo Chara should consider registering with performance rights organizations to protect their creative work while navigating political controversies.
Despite ongoing legal challenges, Mo Chara continues to explore sync deals as an alternative revenue stream that could allow his music to reach wider audiences through film and television placements.
