Massive Attack under investigation for displaying Palestinian flag at Singapore show

Massive Attack are currently under investigation for displaying a Palestinian flag at their recent live show in Singapore. The moment occurred during the trip-hop duo’s concert at The Star Theatre on Wednesday (July 29), per The Straits Times. READ MORE: Massive Attack tell us about tackling the climate crisis at gigs and new music According to the publication, the local authorities have since launched an ongoing probe. The Infocomm Media Development Authority also reportedly said it was investigating a possible breach of licence conditions. Lushington, the date’s promoter, confirmed that it had been made aware of the reports about the performance. “We will fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as required,” it explained, adding that the show in question was the only one scheduled stop in Singapore on the band’s current run. Footage circulating on social media shows two members of the group holding a Palestinian flag up on stage as the crowd cheers. Police investigations ongoing after UK band Massive Attack shows support for Palestinians at Singapore concert byu/FirstLightOfTheDay insingapore Singapore does not allow the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption. Offenders could face a fine of up to S$500 (£372), a maximum of six months in jail, or both. The band reportedly told the crowd that they had removed a song from their setlist in Singapore to comply with “local laws”. However, they did not reveal the name of the track in question. He was carried away from the demonstration by police and arrested on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organisation, and later addressed the situation in a lengthy statement shared to Instagram. Massive Attack live in Liverpool, 2024. Credit: Unit 3 Films “On the topic of madness,” he wrote, “in Britain in 2026, you can be arrested under the Terrorism Act for sitting in silence, holding a cardboard sign stating that you oppose genocide & support non-violent action to prevent it.” In February, Massive Attack responded to the ban on Palestine Action being deemed unlawful by the High Court. They said that then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government “wanted to punish those who made their complicity in a genocide visible”, and had “confected an authoritarian law to retaliate against peaceful citizens holding signs”. Last summer, they joined Primal Scream in condemning the government for allowing the arrest of “peaceful citizens” at a Palestine Action demonstration in London. The band also backed the No Music For Genocide campaign, and later added that they would be fully boycotting Spotify. You May Also Like