Massive Attack respond to being banned from Singapore after displaying the Palestinian flag at show

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Massive Attack respond to being banned from Singapore after displaying the Palestinian flag at show

Brooklyn Vegan · 3 hours ago

I have enough to write a clear, well-sourced summary now.

SUMMARY:
Two core members of the British trip-hop group Massive Attack have been banned for life from re-entering Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag and voicing support for Palestine during a concert in the city-state. Singapore police said such acts "could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony" of the country and urged foreigners to "refrain from importing foreign politics," citing rules against displaying foreign political emblems at public events. The episode has drawn international attention as another flashpoint in the broader debate over artists expressing pro-Palestinian solidarity on stage.

According to reports, the band members were detained by police following the show and had their passports temporarily confiscated before being issued lifetime entry bans. Massive Attack responded in a statement saying they were "surprised and disappointed" by the treatment they received from Singaporean authorities, calling the whole experience "surreal," while adding they were "proud to have made this impromptu expression with our fans in Singapore." The exact date and venue of the performance were not confirmed in available reporting.

  • Massive Attack members banned for life from Singapore over Palestinian flag display
  • Singapore cited rules against foreign political symbols harming racial/religious harmony
  • Band called the ban "surprising and disappointing" but say they're proud of the gesture

Music

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