Massive Attack banned from Singapore for displaying Palestinian flag
The British trip-hop group Massive Attack has been prohibited from performing in Singapore following their display of the Palestinian flag during a concert on Wednesday at the Star Theatre. Members of the band were detained and questioned, with some having their passports confiscated. The ban specifically targets key members Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall. According to Singapore police, showcasing the flag breached regulations concerning foreign flags and public order. The band expressed their astonishment on Instagram, stating they were unaware that displaying a flag acknowledged by 157 nations would be unlawful. Singapore, which does not recognize Palestine as an independent state, has a history of limiting political expressions and protests.
Key facts
- Massive Attack banned from Singapore for displaying Palestinian flag at concert.
- Concert took place at Star Theatre, Singapore, on Wednesday.
- Band members detained, interrogated, passports temporarily seized, hotel rooms searched.
- Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall specifically banned.
- Police cited violation of laws on foreign flags and public order.
- Band expressed surprise, noting Palestine is recognized by 157 countries.
- Singapore does not recognize Palestine and has strict laws on political expression.
- Previous incidents: Led Zeppelin canceled concert in 1970s; Madonna barred in 1993.
Entities
Artists
- Robert Del Naja
- Grant Marshall
- Madonna
Institutions
- Massive Attack
- Star Theatre
- Singapore Police Force
- Led Zeppelin
- BBC
- Palestine Action
Locations
- Singapore
- Palestine
- Israel
- Gaza
- London
- Seoul
- United Kingdom
- Australia