We said we'd beat this trap

Kneecap star's 'Hezbollah terror' charge thrown'out on 'time' technicality

- BY JOSH PAYNE and CATHERINE WYLIE

THE terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Og O hAnnaidh was thrown out yesterday following a technical error in the way the charge was brought.

The 27-year-old from Belfast, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, was accused of displaying a flag in support of proscribed terror organisation Hezbollah at a gig in London in November last year.

At Woolwich Crown Court, magistrate Paul Goldspring agreed with defence lawyers who argued the Attorney General had not given permission for the case to be brought when police told Mr O hAnnaidh he was to face a terror charge on May 21.

After Mr Goldspring said “These proceedings were instituted unlawfully and are null” there were huge cheers from the public gallery.

Following the hearing, Mr O hAnnaidh told crowds: “We will not be silent. This was never about me.

“It was never about any threat to the public, it was never about terrorism - a word used by your Government to discredit people you oppress.

“It was always about Gaza, about what happens if you dare to speak up.

“Your attempts to silence us have failed because were right and youre wrong. We will not be silent.

“We said we would fight you in your court and we would win.