Massive Attack members banned from Singapore after waving Palestinian flag
Singaporean authorities have banned two members of the band Massive Attack from entering the country after they displayed a Palestinian flag during a concert. The government cited the need to maintain racial and religious harmony and avoid foreign political interference.
Why it matters
Illustrates Singapore's strict stance on public displays of foreign political symbols and the potential consequences for international performers.
Two members of British band Massive Attack will not be allowed to enter Singapore again after waving a Palestinian flag onstage at the end of a concert in the country. The two musicians received “stern warnings” from the authorities, while the band itself will no longer be permitted to perform in Singapore, the Singapore Police Force and the country’s media regulator announced. The incident occurred Wednesday during the group’s concert in Singapore. Video circulated online shows two members of the band unfolding the flag onstage as the audience cheered for an extended period. According to the authorities, one of them also shouted, “Free Palestine.” After an investigation and consultation with prosecutors, officials decided to issue formal warnings and bar the two musicians from entering the country in the future. Their identities were not officially released.
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