Kneecap rapper Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh has had his terror charge dismissed on a technicality over the way it was brought.
Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh, 27, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November last year.
He was charged with a terrorism offence following the alleged incident during the concert at the O2 Forum Kentish Town ‘in such a way or in such a circumstance as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he is a supporter of a proscribed organisation’.
His defence lawyers argued that the terror charge should be thrown out because the Attorney General, Richard Hermer, did not officially grant formal approval before police charged Mr Ó hAnnaidh with a terrorism-related offence on May 21.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled that the proceedings were ‘invalid’ and ‘unlawful’ as the charging decision was made by the CPS before the correct permissions had been sought.
There were cheers at Woolwich Crown Court as the case was dismissed.
Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of the terrorist group Hezbollah at a gig in November last year
In his judgment, Mr Goldspring said: ‘These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null.’
The senior district judge added that the CPS should have to pay for Mr Ó hAnnaidh’s legal costs because proceedings were unlawful.
The court heard that Scotland Yard sought a charging decision on May 20.
The CPS instructed police to charge Mr Ó hAnnaidh the next day, but prosecutors failed to seek permission from the Attorney General beforehand.
Mr Ó hAnnaidh arrived at court with his lawyer and fellow bandmates wearing a balaclava in the style of the Irish flag and sunglasses.
Dozens of supporters gathered outside the court in anticipation of today’s hearing.
