Singapore Bans Massive Attack Members After Palestinian Flag Display

On July 29, the English trip-hop collective Massive Attack performed at the Star Theatre in Singapore. During the show, founding members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall unfurled a Palestinian flag and joined audience chants of “Free Palestine.” Singapore police subsequently detained the entire touring party, isolated members for separate questioning, and conducted hotel-room searches that temporarily confiscated some passports. The authorities later announced that the two members received stern warnings and were barred from re-entering Singapore.

NBC NewsMassive Attack ‘disappointed’ after S’pore ban over Palestine flag display, netizens say laws should be respected Al Jazeera (website)The IndependentUK band Massive Attack speak out after ban in Singapore over Palestine flag Variety Magazine

Singapore’s Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act 1949 prohibits the public display of foreign flags, national emblems or banners without a permit. The Public Order Act also restricts political expressions at public events. Offenders can face a fine of up to S$500 (approximately $390) and/or up to six months’ imprisonment.

British band Massive Attack says Singapore police detained members after Palestine flag display

In an Instagram post dated August 2, Massive Attack described the incident as a “surreal experience.” The band wrote that it was “surprised and disappointed” that the entire group was detained, isolated, and questioned, with some members subjected to hotel-room searches and temporary passport confiscation. It added that the audience’s “organic” chants reflected a “moral imperative” to show solidarity with the people of Palestine and called on Singapore to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights so citizens can express conscience without fear of prosecution.

KTLA

After consulting the Attorney-General’s Chambers, police issued “stern warnings” under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and Section 16 of the Public Order Act, and announced an indefinite entry ban for the two musicians.

The Guardian

• “Thank you for standing with Palestine... and for showing us that integrity can still take centre stage.” — Crystal Lim-Lange

BBC News

Massive Attack’s current world tour continues, with scheduled performances in Australia following the conclusion of its Asia leg. The band has indicated that future applications to perform in Singapore will not be approved under the existing entry ban.

Variety Magazine