British band Massive Attack receives entry ban in Singapore

The British band Massive Attack has been issued an entry ban for Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert, authorities announced Friday. The band received strict warnings and underwent investigations for their actions, which were deemed to be in support of a political cause and involved the unfurling of a foreign flag on stage.

According to the police, the band's actions prompted an investigation into their "actions to support a political cause and the unfurling of a foreign flag" during their performance. As a result, Massive Attack is now prohibited from performing in Singapore in the future.

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The police take actions that could potentially disrupt ethnic and religious harmony in Singapore very seriously and strongly urge the public, including foreigners, not to import foreign politics as this can undermine our social cohesion and the rule of law.

In a joint statement, the police and the media authority stressed that Singapore takes "actions that could potentially disrupt ethnic and religious harmony" very seriously. They issued a strong advisory to all individuals, including foreigners, against introducing foreign political agendas into the country, citing potential negative impacts on social cohesion and the rule of law.

The display of foreign national symbols without permission is not permitted in Singapore. The Palestinian flag, in particular, is a sensitive issue given the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Singapore's significant Muslim population. The Ministry of Home Affairs had previously advised against the public display or wearing of items related to the conflict due to heightened sensitivities.

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The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is an emotional issue. Given the heightened sensitivity, we advise against publicly displaying or wearing items related to the conflict.