Singapore has banned the two core members of the British band Massive Attack from reentering the country following their display of a Palestinian flag and expression of support for the Palestinian cause during a concert on July 29.
Singapore police stated that the musicians were investigated for their actions, which included unfurling a foreign flag and one member shouting "Free Palestine" on stage. The individuals received stern warnings and were blacklisted from returning to the city-state. Police indicated that such acts could potentially harm racial and religious harmony and urged foreigners to refrain from importing foreign politics.
The two members involved were identified in local media footage as Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall. Massive Attack released a statement on Instagram expressing surprise and disappointment with the decision.
The band noted that large sections of the audience chanted “Free Palestine” before and after their performance. They stated they did not anticipate that holding up the flag would violate any laws but were proud to have made the "impromptu expression" with their fans in Singapore to show solidarity. The group urged the Singapore government to permit citizens expressions of conscience without fear of state persecution.