Massive Attack respond after Singapore ban over Palestine display
The band Massive Attack has been banned from performing in Singapore after members displayed a Palestinian flag and chanted slogans during a concert. The group expressed disappointment, stating they were detained and questioned by authorities for violating local laws regarding public political expression.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the strict enforcement of public assembly and political speech laws in Singapore, contrasting with international norms of artistic expression.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall of Massive Attack (file photo)
Massive Attack have said they were "surprised and disappointed" by their treatment by Singaporean authorities after expressing pro-Palestine sentiments during a performance in the city-state.
The group wrote on Instagram on Sunday that its members were "detained by the police, isolated and separately questioned", with some subject to hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
The band's two members held up a Palestinian flag during its 29 July show there and shouted "free Palestine" alongside members of the audience.
Singapore, which has stringent rules on public speech and assembly, subsequently said it had indefinitely banned Massive Attack from returning to the country.
A police spokeswoman told the BBC on Friday that the two band members would not be allowed to re-enter Singapore and were barred from performing there.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in