Irish rap trio Kneecap have claimed that the UK government intends to challenge the court decision that saw a terror charge against member Mo Chara dismissed.
The case came about after Chara – whose real name is Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh – was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a performance at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town in November 2024.
Kneecap have repeatedly denied supporting terrorist organisations Hezbollah and Hamas.
In a statement shared on Instagram this week, the group stated that they had been formally notified of an appeal against the ruling made by a magistrates’ court in September, which had dismissed the case. According to the group, the date has been set for January 14 at the High Court in London. Kneecap criticised the move, saying their legal representatives believe there is no credible basis for the challenge.
The No Comment group posted to their official account on the app: “The Brits are at it again…
“The British government has issued us notice that they will appeal the decision of their own magistrates court to throw out the case against Mo Chara.
“It is the view of our legal team that there is not an iota of logic for this, it is without any sound legal basis.
“It is another flailing arm to distract from,
and to try and silence those who stand on the right side of history as they are complicit.
“As Israel today moves to ban charitable organisations providing lifesaving aid and primitive shelter to millions, the British state once again turns to vilify those who oppose genocide.
“It will be heard on Jan 14th at the High Court, Royal Courts of Justice, The Strand, London.
“We will not be silent.
“FREE PALESTINE ps.”
The case was dismissed after the Metropolitan Police failed to issue the requisition within the required six‑month statutory deadline, rendering the charge “unlawful”.
Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring said at the time: “I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form.
“The time limit requires consent to have been granted at the time or before the issue of the requisition. Consequently the charge is unlawful and null and this court has no jurisdiction to try the charge.”