ReutersThe terrorism case against Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh has been thrown out following a technical error in the way the charge against him was brought.
He was charged in May after allegedly displaying a flag in support of proscribed organisation Hezbollah at a gig at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, in November 2024.
The 27-year-old, who performs under the stage name Mo Chara, denied the charge and has described it as political.
Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring told Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against Mr Ó hAnnaidh was "unlawful" and "null".
The court erupted into applause as the judge handed down the ruling.
As Mr Ó hAnnaidh left the court his parents hugged him and said they were "delighted" it was over.
First Minister Michelle O'Neill has welcomed ruling.
The case was due to be heard at Westminster Magistrates' Court but was moved to Woolwich, due to a burst water main.
Hezbollah is proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK and it is a crime to express support for them.
During a court appearance on 20 August legal arguments around whether the charge was brought within the six-month time limit were heard.
His defence team were seeking to throw the case out, citing a technical error in the way the charge was brought against Mr Ó hAnnaidh.
PA MediaKneecap are an Irish-speaking rap trio who have courted controversy with their provocative lyrics and merchandise.
The group was formed in 2017 by three musicians who go by the stage names of Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.
Their rise to fame inspired a semi-fictionalised film starring Oscar-nominated actor Michael Fassbender.
The film won a British Academy of Film Award (Bafta) in February 2025.
In April, the group faced criticism after displaying messages about the war in Gaza during their set at US music festival Coachella.
In November 2024, the group won its case against the UK government over a decision Kemi Badenoch took when she was a minister to withdraw an arts grant.
