Kneecap Controversy: Starmer Condemns Rapper’s Views as High Court Dismisses Terror Charge

The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has strongly condemned the views of Irish language rap trio Kneecap, describing them as “completely intolerable,” following a High Court ruling dismissing a terror charge against member Liam Og O hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara. The case centered on allegations that O hAnnaidh displayed a flag supporting the proscribed organization Hezbollah during a performance in London in November 2024.

The Case and High Court Ruling

O hAnnaidh was initially accused of displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah at an O2 Forum gig in Kentish Town, north London, on November 21, 2024. The initial case was dismissed in September last year by chief magistrate Paul Goldspring, who ruled the proceedings were “instituted unlawfully.” This was due to prosecutors failing to obtain Attorney General’s permission before charging the rapper with a terror offense.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) appealed the decision at the High Court in January. However, on Wednesday, two judges upheld the original ruling, dismissing the CPS appeal. The court determined that the charge was brought outside the six-month time frame allowed for criminal charges after the Attorney General’s permission was sought and granted the day after informing O hAnnaidh of the charge.

Starmer’s Response

Responding to the High Court’s decision, Prime Minister Starmer stated that the CPS would be “looking at the judgment very carefully.” He reiterated his strong disapproval of Kneecap’s views, stating they are “completely intolerable.” Source: Standard.co.uk

Kneecap’s Statement

Following the judgment, O hAnnaidh released a statement asserting that the case was not about terrorism but about Palestine and the consequences of speaking out against perceived hypocrisy. He declared, “I will not be silent. Kneecap will not be silent.” Source: Independent.co.uk

Ongoing Scrutiny of the CPS

The High Court’s decision has prompted further scrutiny of the CPS, with Sir Keir Starmer indicating they would carefully examine the judgment. Source: inkl.com