Singaporean police are investigating British band Massive Attack over the display of a Palestinian flag during a concert, with two members of the group barred from re-entering the country.
In a joint statement issued on Friday, police and Singapore’s media authority said the band was under investigation for “actions in support of a political cause” after members unfurled a foreign flag during Wednesday’s performance.
Authorities also said the group would no longer be allowed to perform in Singapore.
Police said one of the musicians also shouted “Free Palestine” during the performance, an act authorities said amounted to “a possible breach of license conditions.”
Videos circulating online showed two members of the British band holding the Palestinian flag on stage to prolonged cheers from the audience.
The media regulator said it would not approve any future performance applications by Massive Attack in Singapore following the entry ban.
In 2023, Singapore’s Home Affairs Ministry warned the public against displaying symbols related to Israel’s war on Gaza, calling it “an emotive issue.” It said, “We would like to advise against the public display and wearing of articles in relation to the conflict, given the heightened sensitivities.”
The incident is the latest in a series of measures targeting expressions of solidarity with Palestine.
Since the start of the regime’s genocidal war in Gaza in October 2023, pro-Palestinian demonstrations have faced crackdowns in several Western countries, including mass arrests in the United States, restrictions in the United Kingdom, repeated protest bans in France, and criminal investigations and deportation proceedings against activists in Germany.
