Massive Attack says its entire touring group was detained, isolated and questioned by police following a July 29 concert at Singapore’s Star Theatre. In a public statement, the British trip-hop band said some members also had their hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily confiscated.
Singapore authorities said two members displayed a Palestinian flag onstage, while one musician shouted Free Palestine. The country restricts the public display of foreign flags and political symbols without prior approval. Officials issued stern warnings to the two performers and barred them from re-entering Singapore.
The band said large sections of the audience had also chanted Free Palestine before and after the performance. Massive Attack described the crowd’s response as spontaneous and said the group had not expected the flag display to violate local law.
Authorities also said future applications for the band to perform in Singapore would not be approved. Massive Attack expressed disappointment with the response while thanking local fans for their welcome. The group has a long record of publicly supporting Palestinian rights and freedom of expression.
