Singapore Investigates Massive Attack for Raising Palestinian Flag During Concert

Singaporean authorities have launched an investigation into the British band Massive Attack after members were seen raising a Palestinian flag during a recent concert in the city-state. The incident occurred during their only Singapore show on July 26, where band members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall, known as 3D and Daddy G, respectively, displayed the flag amid audience chants calling to "Free Palestine." The investigation aims to determine if the band violated the terms of their performance license, as Singapore enforces strict laws against public demonstrations and the display of foreign national symbols to preserve multicultural harmony.

The Singapore Media Authority is also reviewing potential breaches of licensing conditions. It remains unclear whether the band or their production staff have been detained or barred from leaving Singapore pending the inquiry. Massive Attack is currently on a global tour, with their next scheduled performance in Seoul, South Korea.

Massive Attack is known for its outspoken political stances, including support for Palestinians. Lead singer Robert Del Naja was arrested in London in April during a pro-Palestinian protest and has previously restricted access to their music for Israeli listeners on Spotify. The band has also incorporated politically charged visuals in past shows, including footage of former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

Singapore prohibits the public display of foreign national symbols without special permission, with penalties including fines up to $390, imprisonment up to six months, or both. The city-state's government enforces these rules to maintain social harmony among its diverse ethnic and religious communities. Earlier this year, Singapore authorities fined organizers of an illegal pro-Palestinian march and have discouraged public displays related to the Gaza conflict to prevent unrest. Despite this, Singapore continues to support a two-state solution and has sanctioned far-right activists for violence against Palestinians while backing full UN membership for the Palestinian Authority.