British trip-hop collective Massive Attack have been banned from Singapore following a police investigation into their use of a Palestinian flag during a recent concert. The band, which includes members Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall, performed at the Star theatre on July 29. Following the show, both artists were subjected to police detention, isolation, and separate questioning, with some members facing hotel room searches and the temporary confiscation of their passports.
Singapore maintains strict regulations regarding public speech and assembly, specifically prohibiting the open display of foreign flags, national emblems, or banners without a formal permit. In a statement released on Sunday via Instagram, the band described the incident as a “surreal experience.” They expressed surprise at the severity of the response, noting that they did not anticipate that holding the flag of a sovereign state recognized by 157 countries would violate local laws. The band also highlighted that audience members had spontaneously led chants of “Free Palestine” before and after the set.
On Saturday, the Singapore police force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority issued a joint statement confirming that they had investigated Del Naja and Marshall for their support of a political cause and the unauthorized display of a foreign flag. Following consultation with the attorney general’s chambers, both men were issued “stern warnings” for breaching the Public Order Act and the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act. Authorities stated that the pair are now banned from re-entering Singapore, and future applications for them to perform in the country will not be approved. The police emphasized that such acts could potentially harm the nation's racial and religious harmony and urged both citizens and foreigners to avoid importing foreign politics to prevent undermining social cohesion.
Reflecting on the event, Massive Attack maintained they were proud of the “impromptu expression” shared with their fans, characterizing it as a moral imperative in light of the situation in Palestine. They expressed hope that the Singaporean government would eventually ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The band also drew parallels to the situation in the UK, where they noted that protesters have faced arrest under terrorism laws for displaying signs regarding genocide. Robert Del Naja has previously faced legal scrutiny for his activism, having been among 500 people arrested in London this April during a demonstration supporting the group Palestine Action.
