Massive Attack respond after Singapore ban over Palestine display

What the report says

UK band Massive Attack have said they were “surprised and disappointed” after Singapore authorities banned them from returning to the city-state following a concert in which members displayed a Palestinian flag and joined audience chants of “free Palestine.” According to the BBC, the group said on Instagram that police detained the musicians, questioned them separately and, in some cases, searched hotel rooms and temporarily held passports.

The incident took place during the band’s 29 July show in Singapore. The BBC reported that Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were later given stern warnings under laws covering the public display of foreign flags and political expression at public events. A police spokeswoman said the two would not be allowed to re-enter Singapore and were barred from performing there. Massive Attack did not directly address the ban in detail, but called the episode surreal and said they had not expected that holding a Palestinian flag would breach local law.

The case highlights Singapore’s strict approach to public speech and assembly, particularly on issues linked to the Israel-Gaza war. The BBC noted that the government has previously warned against public displays tied to that conflict and has taken action against some pro-Palestinian activity. More broadly, Massive Attack are known for political activism, and the BBC said the band is continuing its world tour, with Australia next on the schedule.