Member of Kneecap Liam O’Hanna, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh and performing under the name of Mo Chara, who has been charged with a terrorism offense in relation to the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag onstage in 2024, walks outside the Westminster Magistrates’ Court, in London, Britain, Aug. 20, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Hannah McKay

Britain’s prosecution service said on Tuesday it was appealing a court decision to dismiss terrorism charges against a member of Irish rap group Kneecap, Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, also known as Mo Chara.

The charge – relating to the alleged display of a flag of Iran-backed Lebanese militia Hezbollah during a London concert in November 2024 – was thrown out last month after the court ruled it had been brought outside the six-month statutory limit.

“We are appealing the decision to dismiss this case as we believe there is an important point of law which needs to be clarified,” a spokesperson for the Crown Prosecution Service said.

Ó hAnnaidh, 27, under the anglicized name Liam O’Hanna, was charged in May under the Terrorism Act which states that it is a criminal offense to display an article in a way which arouses reasonable suspicion that someone is a supporter of a banned organization.

Kneecap, known for politically charged lyrics and pro-Palestine messaging, has previously said the case was an attempt to silence dissent. The group canceled its US tour in August, citing the legal proceedings.

Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill last month welcomed the court’s decision to throw out the case, saying the charges were part of an attempt to silence critics of Israel.