Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Foireann nua Gaeltachta The Journal a chuir an scéal seo ar fáil. Tá leagan as Gaeilge anseo.
After a London court ruled this morning that Kneecap’s Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was acquitted of charges brought against him under anti-terrorism legislation, the musician issued a statement thanking his legal team, interpreter and supporters and telling the British Government that he would not be silenced.
The presiding judge in Woolwich Crown Court ruled that too much time had elapsed between the date of incident alleged in the complaint and the date Ó hAnnaidh was charged. He was accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag, a group listed as a terrorist group in Britain under anti-terrorism legislation, while on stage at the O2 Forum on 21 November.
The incident occurred while Kneecap was performing on stage at the O2 Forum in Kentish Town, London, on 21 November 2024. Ó hAnnaidh was not charged until 22 May 2025, although London police had indicated that he would be charged on 21 May.
The hearing before Judge Paul Goldspring lasted just a quarter of an hour and he concluded by saying: “Mr Ó hAnnaidh you are free to go.”
Outside court, in front of a large crowd of his supporters, the Belfast musician had this to say:
This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public and 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. As people from Ireland we know oppression, colonialism, famine and genocide. We have suffered and still suffer under “your empire”.
A number of Conradh na Gaeilge representatives travelled to London to support the Kneecap member’s case which was conducted through the medium of Irish with the assistance of interpreter.
In a statement on X, the Irish language advocacy organisation welcomed the court’s ruling that the case brought against Ó hAnnaidh had been illegal and was null.
“We were proud to support Mo Chara and @kneecapceol as he spoke in support of Palestine in English courts through the medium of Irish.”
The accusations against Ó hAnnaidh certainly caused considerable damage to Kneecap, as the group had to cancel a tour of the United States and, last week, a member of the Canadian Government used the accusation as an excuse to ban the group from going to that country where they were due to perform at a number of venues. Kneecap is taking legal action against the Canadian politician for defamation.
While on a visit to Canada this week, the Taoiseach, Mícheál Martin, confirmed that he had not lifted the ban on Kneecap from travelling to that country when he spoke to the Canadian prime minister in Ottawa, Mark Carney.
Meanwhile, band member Moglaí Bap, who also donned the tricolour balaclava as he entered court alongside his two Kneecap colleagues, Mo Chara and DJ Próvaí, had this message.
“Now the media can start focusing on the real news, the genocide that is still happening in Palestine.”
The Journal’s Gaeltacht initiative is supported by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
have your say