News|MusicUK prosecutors to appeal decision to dismiss Kneecap rapper ‘terror’ chargeLiam O’Hanna said after case thrown out last month that charges aimed at silencing dissent over Gaza war.

Prosecutors in the United Kingdom are appealing a court decision to dismiss a terrorism charge against Liam O’Hanna, also known as Liam Og O hAnnaidh, from the Irish rap group Kneecap. O’Hanna was initially accused of displaying a Hezbollah flag during a London concert in November. The case was dismissed in late September by a London court due to a technical error.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Tuesday its intention to appeal the dismissal, citing the need to clarify an important point of law.

The charge against O’Hanna was filed in May under the United Kingdom Terrorism Act, which criminalizes the display of articles that reasonably suggest support for a banned organization. The court found the case unlawful and null, as it was initiated outside the six-month statutory limit.

The band Kneecap responded to the CPS's appeal as a politically motivated action against Palestinian solidarity. They stated that the process was influenced by politicians and media, rather than law enforcement or judicial systems.

Internationally, Kneecap has faced accusations of promoting terrorism due to their statements supporting Palestinians during Israel's conflict in Gaza. Consequently, Hungary and Canada have banned the group from entering, and certain concerts in Germany and Austria were canceled. Kneecap maintains that it does not support Hezbollah or Hamas, nor does it condone violence.

Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.