Massive Attack Members Banned From Singapore After Raising Palestinian Flag Onstage

Two members of the British band Massive Attack have been banned from re-entering Singapore following their display of a Palestinian flag during a concert in the country last Wednesday. The incident occurred at the end of their performance, when the two musicians unfurled the flag on stage to prolonged applause from the audience. One of them also called to "free Palestine," according to local authorities.

Singapore's police and media authority issued "serious warnings" to the two band members and announced that Massive Attack will no longer be permitted to perform in the country. The identities of the individuals were not officially disclosed, but footage circulating online shows two founding members, Daddy G (Grant Marshall) and 3D (Robert Del Naja), holding the flag during the show.

Singapore prohibits the public display of foreign national flags and political symbols without prior approval, viewing such acts as potential political statements that could disrupt racial and religious harmony. Authorities are also investigating whether the concert violated licensing terms. The police and media authority emphasized the importance of avoiding "foreign political interference" to maintain social cohesion and the rule of law.

Massive Attack, formed in Bristol in 1988, is known for its political activism, particularly supporting the Palestinian cause and criticizing Israeli actions in Gaza. Their Singapore concert included videos addressing conflicts in Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine, and tensions involving the US, Israel, and Iran. In April, Robert Del Naja was arrested alongside over 200 protesters in London supporting Palestine Action. Neither the band nor the concert promoters have yet responded to Singapore's decision.

Summary: Two Massive Attack members were banned from Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a concert, leading authorities to bar the band from future performances due to concerns over political expression and social harmony.

Points: - Two Massive Attack members banned from Singapore for raising a Palestinian flag onstage. - The band is prohibited from future performances in Singapore. - Singapore forbids public display of foreign political symbols without permission. - Authorities cited risks to racial and religious harmony as reasons for the ban. - Massive Attack is known for political activism supporting Palestine. - The band and promoters have not yet responded to the ban.

Topic: security israel_relevant: true Entities: {"people":["Grant Marshall","Robert Del Naja"],"organizations":["Massive Attack","Singapore Police","Singapore Media Authority","Palestine Action"],"places":["Singapore","Bristol","Gaza","Sudan","Ukraine","London"]}