TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - British trip-hop group Massive Attack has been banned from returning to Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert in the city-state, prompting a police investigation and a warning from authorities.
The band said it had a “surreal experience” after members were detained and questioned by police following their performance at The Star Theatre on July 29. They said they were surprised and disappointed by the authorities’ response but remained proud of the gesture, which they described as an expression of solidarity with Palestinians.
In a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday, Massive Attack said members of the group were “detained by the police, isolated and separately questioned,” with some subjected to hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
The band said audience members had also spontaneously chanted “Free Palestine” during the show, adding that fans appeared aware that such expressions could violate Singapore’s strict laws on political expression.
“We did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would violate any law,” the group said.
Massive Attack added that they were “proud to have made this impromptu expression with our fans in Singapore,” saying the gesture reflected a desire to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The group described the incident as a reminder of the importance of defending human rights and freedom of expression.
According to The Guardian, Singapore authorities said police had investigated band members Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall over their display of a Palestinian flag and alleged support for a political cause during the concert.
The Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority said both musicians received “stern warnings” over alleged violations of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and the Public Order Act.
Authorities also said the two musicians would be banned from re-entering Singapore, while any future applications for the band to perform in the country would not be approved.
Police said they took a serious view of actions that could potentially affect racial and religious harmony, urging both citizens and foreigners to avoid bringing foreign political issues into Singapore’s public space.
Singapore has strict regulations governing political expression and the display of foreign symbols. The country prohibits the public display of foreign flags, national emblems, or banners without official permission.
As reported by the BBC, Singapore has repeatedly defended such restrictions as necessary to protect social cohesion in its multicultural society, particularly amid tensions linked to international conflicts such as the Israel-Gaza war.
The BBC noted that Singapore authorities previously advised the public against displaying or wearing items associated with the Israel-Gaza conflict, including foreign national symbols. Authorities have also taken action against unauthorized demonstrations supporting the Palestinian cause.
Massive Attack’s statement received significant attention online, with thousands of fans expressing support for the band’s decision. Some Singapore-based concertgoers, however, said the issue involved a balance between artistic expression and respect for local laws.
Content creator Crystal Lim-Lange, who attended the concert, described the situation as complex, saying artists should respect the laws of the countries where they perform while acknowledging that art has historically challenged ideas and encouraged debate.
Massive Attack, known for its politically outspoken stance, has previously expressed views on global issues, including the war in Gaza. Del Naja was also among hundreds arrested in London earlier this year during a protest linked to the UK government’s ban on Palestine Action, a group classified as a proscribed organization.
The band is currently continuing its world tour, with upcoming performances in Australia after completing its Asia leg.
Read: UK Band Massive Attack Faces Singapore Probe over Palestinian Flag Onstage
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