Singapore Bans Massive Attack Concerts After Palestinian Flag Display

Singapore has banned the British band Massive Attack from holding concerts in the country following an investigation into an incident where two band members raised a Palestinian flag during a performance. Singaporean police issued stern warnings to the individuals involved and have banned them from future entry into the country. The investigation was prompted by online videos showing the band members waving the flag on stage during a Wednesday concert, accompanied by audience chants and one member exclaiming, "Free Palestine."

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Singapore police issued 'stern warnings' to the two members who participated in the incident and decided to ban them from re-entering the country.

Police confirmed that the concert organizer had previously agreed to licensing conditions, which explicitly prohibit the display of any foreign flags, national symbols, or banners in public spaces without official permission. Authorities deemed the flag-raising a violation of these terms. The Infocomm Media Development Authority of Singapore is also reviewing whether the incident breached licensing conditions.

In light of the ban on the two members, the band's future concert applications in Singapore will be rejected. Massive Attack is known for its vocal support of the Palestinian cause and frequent criticism of Israeli military actions in Gaza. The band has a history of using its concerts and platform to express political and humanitarian stances.

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The concert organizer had previously acknowledged the licensing conditions, which stipulate the prohibition of raising any foreign flags or national slogans or banners in public places without official approval.

This action in Singapore follows a pattern of the band's engagement with political issues. Notably, Robert Del Naja, a prominent member of Massive Attack, was among over 200 people arrested by British police in April during a protest in Trafalgar Square, London. That protest supported the movement "Palestine Action," which has been banned by British authorities.

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The band is known for its positions supporting the Palestinian cause and its repeated criticism of Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip.