“Massive Attack” is banned from performing in Singapore because of the Palestine flag

Singapore has imposed strict rules on public appearances to maintain social peace, it says. For example, it is forbidden to display a foreign flag without permission. The musicians from Massive Attack were “strictly warned” by the police, as the British BBC reports, citing a spokeswoman for the authorities. They were also banned from re-entering Singapore. Permits for future concerts should no longer be granted.

“We could not have imagined that simply holding up a flag of a sovereign state recognized by 157 countries (Palestine) could be a violation of the law,” the band continued on Instagram. This “surreal experience” is a reminder that human rights and the right to freedom of expression must be defended wherever they are threatened. The band ends their message with the words “Free Palestine”.

The musicians’ attitude to the conflict in the Middle East is well known. They are among the most prominent supporters of the “No Music For Genocide” boycott campaign and have had their music removed from all streaming services in Israel. They haven’t performed there since 1999. In the spring of this year, the band’s frontman Robert Del Naja, also known as 3D, was even arrested in London for his support of the anti-Israel group “Palestine Action”.