""I find that these proceedings were not instituted in the correct form, lacking the necessary [attorney general or director of public prosecutions] consent within the six-month statutory time limit," adding that "this court has no jurisdiction to try the charge." "These proceedings against the defendant were instituted unlawfully and are null," Goldspring said."
""These charges were part of a calculated attempt to silence those who stand up and speak out against the Israeli genocide in Gaza. Kneecap have used their platform on stages across the world to expose this genocide, and it is the responsibility of all of us to continue speaking out and standing against injustice in Palestine.""
""This entire process was never about me, never about any threat to the public, 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.""
A U.K. magistrate dismissed a terror charge against Kneecap member Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who faced allegations of displaying a Hezbollah flag at a London show. Chief magistrate Paul Goldspring found the proceedings lacked the necessary attorney general or director of public prosecutions consent within the six-month statutory time limit and said the court had no jurisdiction. Goldspring declared the proceedings unlawful and null and released Ó hAnnaidh to cheers from supporters. Ó hAnnaidh denied the charges and said the band does not support Hezbollah. Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill characterized the charges as an attempt to silence criticism of Israeli actions in Gaza. Kneecap canceled a U.S. tour because of the court hearing. Ó hAnnaidh said the case was about Gaza and speaking up, and he related his Palestinian activism to Ireland's history.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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