Singapore probes Massive Attack over on-stage Palestinian flag display

Singapore authorities have opened an investigation after two members of Massive Attack raised a Palestinian flag and shouted slogans during their concert in the city-state.

Local police and the media authority in Singapore are investigating Massive Attack after two of the band’s members displayed a Palestinian flag and shouted “Free Palestine” during their concert on Wednesday. Social-media footage and eyewitness accounts corroborate the incident, leading officials to file reports and examine possible breaches of licensing conditions for the event. Singapore has a history of strict enforcement on public speech concerning the Israel-Gaza war, having previously fined participants in unauthorised pro-Palestinian walks and banned related gatherings.

Authorities have not disclosed whether any of the musicians have been detained or prevented from exiting the country while the probe continues. The band, known for its politically charged stance, is on a global tour, with the Singapore gig being its sole stop in the region before a performance in Seoul on Saturday. Earlier this year, frontman Robert Del Naja was arrested in London for involvement in a demonstration supporting Palestine Action, a proscribed group in the UK.