Met Police issues warning to protesters ahead of Kneecap member's court appearance in London
The 27-year-old rapper, whose stage name is Mo Chara, appeared in the court in June charged with displaying a flag in support of Hezbollah, a proscribed organisation in Britain, during a gig in the O2 Forum, Kentish Town last November.
Ó hAnnaidh was released on unconditional bail until his next hearing
, which will take place tomorrow, when legal argument will be dealt with.
Ó hAnnaidh and his fellow bandmates Naoise Ó Cairealláin and J J Ó Dochartaigh left the court in June to loud cheers and chants of 'Free Palestine' from hundreds of their supporters who remained outside during the hearing.
Before they emerged, supporters gave speeches about Palestine and Ireland.
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Throughout the morning, supporters of the group held placards saying 'Free Mo Chara' and 'Defend Kneecap' along with tricolours, Palestinian flags and Kneecap flags, with musicians also performing.
The UK's Stop The War Coalition was among those organising the protest, calling on people to 'picket' the court building.
In a statement this evening, the Met Police said it has imposed 'Public Order Act conditions to prevent serious disruption being caused by a protest outside Westminster Magistrates' Court tomorrow'.
These conditions can be imposed when police deem it necessary to prevent public disorder such as damage to property, disruption to the community or excessive noise.
The Met has set out an area in which protests in support of Ó hAnnaidh and 'aligned causes must remain'.
In response to this on social media, Kneecap said that it 'massively appreciates the support of what we know are the majority of the public, who can see this farce for what it is'.
'It is a distraction from war crimes that the British state support,' added the statement.
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Kneecap complain of 'political policing' after this gig ad was blocked on London Tube
Inside and outside the Kneecap courtroom: Film directors, The Fields of Athenry, and a few police
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…
https://t.co/KoMAtkydqG
— KNEECAP (@KNEECAPCEOL)
August 19, 2025
'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.'
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