Massive Attack responds after Singapore ban over Palestine display
The UK band says it is "surprised and disappointed" by its treatment over shouting "free Palestine" at a concert there.
Massive Attack has voiced its "surprise and disappointment" regarding its treatment by Singaporean authorities following a pro-Palestine demonstration during a recent concert in the city-state.
On Sunday, the group posted on Instagram that its members were "detained by the police, isolated and separately questioned," with some experiencing hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
During their July 29 performance, the band's two members displayed a Palestinian flag and, along with audience members, chanted "free Palestine."
Singapore, which enforces strict regulations on public speech and assembly, subsequently announced an indefinite ban on Massive Attack's return to the country. A police spokeswoman informed the BBC on Friday that the two band members would be prohibited from re-entering Singapore and performing there.
Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall received "stern warnings" concerning alleged violations of two laws that restrict the public display of foreign flags and regulate political expressions at public events.
Massive Attack stated that both before and after the show, "large sections of the auditorium organically led chants of 'Free Palestine,' presumably aware but undeterred that this spontaneous expression alone could violate their government's censorship laws."
While not directly addressing the ban, the band characterized the situation as a "surreal experience" and expressed that they "did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would violate any law." They added that they were "proud to have made the impromptu expression" with fans in Singapore, who "clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine."
Massive Attack is renowned for openly expressing its political views on various issues, including the conflict in Gaza. Earlier this year, Del Naja, 61, was arrested in London on suspicion of supporting the proscribed organization Palestine Action during a protest, where he held a sign stating, "I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action."
Singapore has adopted a firm stance on public statements concerning the Israel-Gaza war, with authorities in the multicultural nation asserting that such measures are essential to maintain racial and social harmony. In 2023, the home affairs ministry issued a statement advising against "the public display and wearing of articles" related to the Israel-Gaza war, including foreign national emblems.
Massive Attack is currently on a world tour, with performances scheduled in Australia next week, following the conclusion of its Asia leg. The BBC has reached out to the Singaporean police for comment.