Singapore Bans British Band Massive Attack Over Palestinian Flag Display

Singaporean authorities announced a ban on the British band Massive Attack following their recent concert in the country on Wednesday. During the performance, band founders Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall raised a Palestinian flag and chanted "Free Palestine," prompting the local police to issue a future entry ban for the band members. The Singapore media regulator also declared it will reject any future performance requests from the group within its jurisdiction.

The band members received serious warnings for violating laws related to foreign national symbols and public order, which prohibit displaying foreign flags and restrict political activities in public spaces. A police spokesperson explained that these measures aim to protect Singapore's racial and religious harmony and prevent external events from disturbing social stability. Authorities are also investigating whether the band breached their performance license, which explicitly forbade displaying flags supporting political causes.

Singapore is known for its strict enforcement of regulations on political expression in public. Since the outbreak of war on October 7, the government has banned gatherings on the topic and fined organizers of pro-Palestinian marches. Nonetheless, Singapore maintains an official diplomatic stance supporting a two-state solution and full UN membership for the Palestinian Authority. Massive Attack, known for their pro-Palestinian views, continue their global tour with a scheduled show in South Korea today.