Photo Credit: Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall of Massive Attack by Platonova Alina / CC by 3.0
Singapore has banned both current members of British band Massive Attack after they displayed a Palestine flag during their concert in the city-state.
The two current and core members of British band Massive Attack have been banned from reentering Singapore after displaying a Palestine flag during their concert in the city-state last week.
Singapore police said that two men in the band were investigated over their actions during the concert on July 29, including unfurling a foreign flag and shouting “Free Palestine” on stage. They were issued “stern warnings” and blacklisted from returning to the country, authorities said.
While police did not identify the men involved, footage shared on local media made clear that it was Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall—the only current full-time members of the trip-hop collective.
“The police take a serious view of acts which could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore and urge the public, including foreigners, to refrain from importing foreign politics as this can undermine our social cohesion and the rule of law,” said Singapore police.
Massive Attack responded to the news on Instagram, saying they were “surprised and disappointed” by the decision and by the treatment that both members and their touring band received over the incident.
They said the entire band was detained, “isolated and separately questioned” after the two primary members raised a Palestine flag during their show on Wednesday. Several members had their hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated, Massive Attack’s statement continued.
The band also noted that large sections of the auditorium chanted “Free Palestine” before the start of their show and at the end of it. They added that they “did not imagine that merely holding up the flag” of another nation would violate any law.
Indeed, Singapore law prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption.
Massive Attack was formed in 1988 and has long been known for its members’ outspoken activism. Over the years, videos taken during their shows have highlighted conflicts in Iran, Sudan, Ukraine, and Gaza.
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