Massive Attack Banned from Singapore After Pro-Palestine Display
During a concert at Singapore’s Lido Festival on 29 July, the British electronic duo Massive Attack—including Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall—raised a Palestinian flag and encouraged audience chants of “Free Palestine.” The local police were alarmed and detained the performers, separating them for individual questioning, searched hotel rooms, and temporarily seized their passports.
The band released a stark Instagram post the following Sunday, describing the incident as a “surreal experience” and highlighting their surprise that a sovereign nation’s flag—recognized by 157 countries—was deemed illegal under Singaporean law. They said they had “not imagined” that simply holding up a flag could be a violation.
Singapore’s authorities have enacted stringent rules on public speech and assembly to preserve racial and social harmony amid the ongoing Israel‑Gaza conflict. The Home Affairs Ministry famously warned against the public display of foreign emblems related to the war and fined individuals for an unauthorized walk in support of the Palestinian cause.
In the aftermath, a police spokeswoman confirmed that both band members would be barred from re‑entering the country and from performing there again. They received stern warnings tied to statutes that limit the display of foreign flags and regulate political expression at public events.
Fans flooded the duo’s post with support, with one comment noting how “in Singapore many have learned to carefully choose when to speak out.” A local content creator reflected on the complexity, urging artists to respect local laws while recognizing that art often challenges societal comfort.
Massive Attack is currently on a world tour, with upcoming shows in Australia concluding the Asia leg. The BBC reached out to Singaporean police for comment, following the ban’s sudden implementation.
A related story: Del Naja was arrested for displaying support for the proscribed organisation Palestine Action in London.
