How are Kneecap responding to police conditions around Mo Chara’s trial? Situation explained

Kneecap have expressed displeasure toward the Metropolitan Police after Public Order Act conditions were issued for rapper Mo Chara's upcoming court appearance. Band member Mo Chara returns to court in London on August 20 as a judge is set to hear legal arguments that will decide if a full trial will be held.

This follows terrorism charges filed against the artist after he was accused of a terror offense for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag onstage during a concert in November 2024. The group has been a vocal supporter of Palestine in the Israel-Gaza conflict and also sparked controversy for their pro-Palestine remarks at Coachella.

The Met Police took to social media and said,

Metropolitan Police

@metpoliceuk

We've imposed Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow.​Protest in support of Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh and aligned causes must remain in the red area. Any stage must be erected in the green area

The band responded with:

KNEECAP

@KNEECAPCEOL

We massively appreciate the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is. ​It is distraction from war crimes that the British state support. ​In our view this police action is designed to try and portray support for kneecap as somehow troublesome. ​It is a calculated political decision the night before Mo Chara's court appearance. ​There is no basis for this, our last hearing was entirely peaceful and a loving show of solidarity with the most disruptive attendees the right wing media. ​We know all of our supporters will be, but please go out of your way to be compliant with all instructions issued, irrespective of how pitiful. ​Free Palestine 🇵🇸

The Metropolitan Police's warning comes after hundreds of band supporters gathered outside the court in a June hearing to chant "Free Palestine." The supporters have again taken to the court's location with a group holding placards reading, "Free Mo Chara" and "Defend Kneecap" along with tricolours, Palestinian flags, and band flags.

Kneecap's controversy explained

In November 2024, Kneecap band member Mo Chara was seen draped in a Hezbollah flag as he shouted,

"Up Hamas, up Hezbollah."

Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proscribed terrorist organizations as per UK law, and publicly supporting them is a criminal offense under the Terrorism Act 2000.

At Coachella, 2025, Kneecap was also bashed for displaying politically charged messages, such as:

"Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people" and "F**k Israel. Free Palestine" during their performances.

Their act led to the band losing U.S bookings and cancellations of several shows.

On April 22, 2025, the Metropolitan Police's Counter-Terrorism Command began investigating the viral concert clips. In May 2025, band member Mo Chara was charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly displaying the Hezbollah flag in November 2024.

During the last court appearance of the band member in June, Chara's legal team argued that the charge being issued in May 2025 was brought outside the six-month limit from when the offence was allegedly committed on 21 November 2024. While the Barristers for the Crown Prosecution Service have disputed the 6-month argument, the previous hearing was adjourned to make space for substantive arguments, which will be heard on August 20.

If the judge sides with prosecutors, Mo Chara will have to enter a plea deal. If the case goes to trial, there will be a district judge determining the verdict instead of a jury.

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