Singapore bans Massive Attack duo over Palestinian flag at concert

Two members of British trip-hop band Massive Attack have been issued stern warnings and banned from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during their concert.

The incident occurred on Wednesday at The Star Performing Arts Centre (also referred to as The Star Theatre) as part of the band’s world tour.

Videos circulating online showed Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall holding up the Palestinian flag near the end of the performance, with the audience cheering.

One of the members also shouted “Free Palestine.”

Singapore authorities confirmed the details in a joint statement by the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) released.

“Upon completion of investigations and after careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case, the police, in consultation with the Attorney-General’s Chambers, administered stern warnings to both men for the offences of Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and Section 16 of the Public Order Act,” the statement said.

It added that both men will be banned from re-entering Singapore.

Singapore law prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption.

Offenders face a fine of up to S$500, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

The Palestinian flag is particularly sensitive in the city-state due to the ongoing ‘Israeli’ assault on Gaza and Singapore’s diverse population, which includes a significant Muslim minority.

The authorities noted that the band members were investigated “for their actions of support for a political cause and unfurling of a foreign flag” at the concert.

“Notwithstanding the event organiser’s prior acknowledgement of the licence conditions, during the performance, two band members held a foreign flag on stage, and one of them also shouted ‘Free Palestine’,” the joint statement added.

IMDA is separately investigating a possible breach of several licence conditions, including one that prohibits the display of flags in support of any causes.

In view of the entry ban on the two members, IMDA will not grant any future applications for performances by the band in Singapore.
The authority said it will “take necessary action” once its probe concludes.

Concert promoter Lushington Entertainments stated it was aware of the reports and would “fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as required.”

Massive Attack, formed in Bristol in 1988, is known for outspoken political stances.

The band has long expressed support for Palestinian causes and previously refused to perform in ‘Israel’.