Massive Attack says members held after pro-Palestine display in Singapore

British electronic music group Massive Attack encountered legal difficulties in Singapore following a concert performance last month. During their show at the Star Theatre on July 29, audience members chanted pro-Palestine slogans and the band displayed a Palestinian flag on stage. The group later described this as an impromptu gesture of solidarity with their fans, noting that Palestine is recognized as a sovereign state by 157 countries.

Following the performance, Singapore's police detained all band members for questioning. According to the group's account, members were isolated during interrogation, subjected to hotel room searches, and had passports temporarily confiscated. Authorities subsequently issued stern warnings to two members and prohibited them from returning to Singapore.

Singapore's police justified their actions by stating that the flag display could potentially undermine racial and religious harmony in the city-state. Local regulations prohibit the public display of foreign flags and national emblems without official permits. The band characterized their experience as surreal and emphasized the importance of protecting freedom of expression and universal human rights.

This incident reflects broader tensions surrounding Palestine-related activism. Band frontman Robert Del Naja was among over 500 people arrested by British police in London during an April protest related to Palestine Action, a group designated as terrorist by the United Kingdom. Additionally, a Singapore court fined three women in April for organizing a pro-Palestine walk two years earlier.

Singapore has maintained a policy of non-interference in international conflicts since Israel's 2023 military operations in Gaza began, adhering to its traditional foreign policy principle of remaining neutral.