Massive Attack call Singapore ban a 'surreal experience' after Palestinian flag display
The British band Massive Attack said they were banned from Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert, calling the episode a "surreal experience" and stressing the importance of freedom of expression.
British trip-hop group Massive Attack have described being banned from Singapore as a 'surreal experience' after they displayed a Palestinian flag during a performance. The band, which currently includes Robert '3D' Del Naja and Grant 'Daddy G' Marshall, played at the Star Theatre on 29 July. Following the display of the flag, they became the subject of a police investigation, ultimately leading to a ban from the country.
Singapore has strict regulations on public speech and assembly, prohibiting the display of foreign flags and national emblems without a permit. In a statement released on Instagram on Sunday, the band said they were surprised and disappointed by their detention. After the show, all members were isolated and questioned separately, with some subjected to hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
The band noted that large parts of the audience had chanted 'Free Palestine' before and after the performance, apparently aware that such an expression could violate censorship laws. Massive Attack said they had not imagined that simply holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would break any law.
They expressed pride in their spontaneous expression alongside fans in Singapore, who felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with Palestinians. The band criticised the inaction of the 'international community', which they said is pushing citizens to take personal risks. They also called the experience a reminder of the importance of defending universal human rights and freedom of expression wherever they are threatened.
On Saturday, Singapore police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority announced that Del Naja and Marshall had been investigated for supporting a political cause and unfurling a foreign flag. After consultation with the attorney general's chambers, both received stern warnings for allegedly breaching the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and the Public Order Act. They were also banned from re-entering Singapore, and future applications to perform would not be approved.
Police said they take a serious view of acts that could harm racial and religious harmony and urged the public, including foreigners, to avoid importing foreign politics. Del Naja was among 500 people arrested in April during a London demonstration against the ban on the proscribed group Palestine Action.
