Despite Case Being Thrown Out, UK Court Moves To Appeal Against Kneecap Rapper

Despite a judge ruling the charge against Kneecap rapper Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh “unlawful,” UK prosecutors are moving to appeal the decision, seeking to reopen a case that had already been dismissed on legal grounds.

Fans and free speech advocates have voiced frustration, saying the renewed push feels like continued targeting of the Belfast artist, whose music often challenges political and cultural taboos.

The case centred on 27-year-old rapper Liam Og Ó hAnnaidh, who was accused of displaying a flag allegedly linked to the proscribed group Hezbollah during a London performance last November.

Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring ruled at Woolwich Crown Court that the charge against O hAnnaidh was “unlawful”, adding that he had no jurisdiction to hear the case. Despite this, a Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson announced on Tuesday: “We are appealing the decision to dismiss this case as we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified.”