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Massive Attack band says Singapore police detained, questioned them after concert
Police said the display could harm racial and religious harmony, and two members were barred from re-entering Singapore after stern warnings.
- On Wednesday, Singapore authorities detained Massive Attack members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall, seizing passports and banning them from re-entering after they displayed a Palestinian flag at the Star Theatre concert.
- Singapore's strict laws prohibit foreign flag displays without permits; the home ministry advised against symbols related to the war in Gaza to preserve social harmony. Massive Attack has boycotted Israel since 1999 to pressure the government.
- Describing the detention as a "surreal experience," Massive Attack reported they were isolated and questioned while auditorium crowds chanted "Free Palestine." The group said they were "surprised and disappointed" by the response.
- The Infocomm Media Development Authority confirmed it will not grant future performance applications for the band, citing the entry ban. Authorities issued "stern warnings" to Del Naja and Marshall for violating public assembly laws.
- Drawing parallels to the UK, the band criticized the government's response to pro-Palestinian activism, noting more than 3,500 arrests under terrorism laws since 2025. They urged Singapore to ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
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Massive Attack has been banned from entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag at one of his concerts in South-East Asia.
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Total News Sources57
Leaning Left19Leaning Right12Center12Last UpdatedBias Distribution44% Left
Bias Distribution
- 44% of the sources lean Left
44% Left
L 44%
C 28%
R 28%
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