LONDON: UK prosecutors Tuesday said they would appeal a court’s decision to drop a charge of supporting “terrorism” brought against a Northern Irish singer from punk rap group Kneecap.
“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 Crown Prosecution Service spokesperson said, referring to the case against Liam O’Hanna, also known by his stage name Mo Chara.
O’Hanna, 27, had been charged under Britain’s terrorism laws for allegedly displaying a flag belonging to the banned Lebanese group Hezbollah during a concert in November 2024.
But the case was thrown out by a London court last month after a judge found there had been a technical error in the way the charge had been brought.
Kneecap said the decision to appeal was “unsurprising” and called it a “waste of taxpayers money” in a statement posted on social media, repeating claims that the case was a “witch-hunt against Palestinian solidarity.”
“We will fight you in your court again. We will win again,” the group added.
O’Hanna, named Liam Og O Hannaidh in Irish, was charged in May when a video emerged from a November concert in London in which he allegedly displayed the Hezbollah flag, an offense the singer has denied.
But chief magistrate Paul Goldspring found the charge was not brought by prosecutors within the legal time limit, rendering it “unlawful and null.”
The band, which sings in Irish and regularly leads chants in support of Gaza during performances, has had multiple concerts canceled internationally over its pro-Palestinian stance and other controversies.
Canada last month barred Kneecap from entering the country, citing the group’s alleged support for Hezbollah and Palestinian militant group Hamas.
But its performance in Paris went ahead in September despite objections from French Jewish groups and government officials. The group also played the vaunted Glastonbury Festival in southwest England in June.
UK prosecutors to appeal dropped ‘terrorism’ case against Kneecap rapper
https://arab.news/zf8ct
UK prosecutors to appeal dropped ‘terrorism’ case against Kneecap rapper
- O’Hanna, 27, had been charged under Britain’s terrorism laws for allegedly displaying a flag belonging to Hezbollah during a concert in November 2024
- Case was thrown out by a London court last month after judge found there had been a technical error in the way the charge had been brought
Riyadh celebrates Sudanese heritage in cultural week finale
- Visitors experience sounds of dalooka, rababa in lively spectacle
- Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures
RIYADH: The Sudanese Culture Week continues in Riyadh until Dec. 20, attracting visitors from a variety of nationalities to diverse cultural performances, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
The Ministry of Media has organized the events as part of the Global Harmony 2 initiative, in cooperation with the General Entertainment Authority and the Quality of Life Program.
Held at Al-Suwaidi Park, one of Riyadh Season’s zones, the week began with a celebratory parade featuring traditional Sudanese music which included the sounds of the dalooka and the rababa. A traditional Sudanese bridal procession was the subject of a tableau that also engaged visitors.
Sudanese Culture Week also includes musical concerts, entertainment sections, and cultural pavilions, with participation from Sudanese singers and influencers presenting activities that reflect the cultural diversity of the country’s regions and communities.
The event’s stage hosted the opening concerts, which were attended by thousands who enjoyed rababa performances and popular Sudanese songs.
Citizens and residents explored Sudanese culture through its folk arts, traditional music, and customs.
The celebration marks the final week of the Global Harmony 2 initiative’s cultural events. These have built on the program’s success in promoting cultural exchange and showcasing the cultures of communities residing in the Kingdom, reflecting the values of coexistence and cultural openness.
Over more than 40 days the Global Harmony 2 initiative has offered an integrated cultural experience highlighting 14 cultures.
Indian Culture Week was the first in a series featuring countries from Asia, Africa, and the Arab world.
Other weeks have placed the spotlight on regions such as the Philippines, Egypt, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Bangladesh, Yemen, Uganda, and Ethiopia, providing traditional arts and music, cuisine, and social activities.
The initiative has included more than 100 artists and creators presenting artistic and musical performances, along with areas showcasing traditional cuisine, clothing, handicrafts, and family-friendly interactive activities.
It has received wide acclaim for highlighting the lives of residents in the Kingdom and the services provided to them.
