Singapore police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have opened an investigation into the British band Massive Attack after members raised the Palestinian flag and shouted "Free Palestine" during their concert in Singapore, which may violate their performance license conditions and laws regarding unauthorized display of foreign symbols.
Singapore police, together with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), issued a statement confirming that authorities have received a report and are conducting an official investigation to determine whether Massive Attack's actions violated the conditions of their performance permit.
The incident took place at the band's concert held at The Star Performing Arts Centre in Singapore. Concertgoers reported that band members shouted "Free Palestine" on stage, prompting the audience to join in. Online videos show two band members holding up the Palestinian flag on stage amid cheers from fans.
Singapore law strictly prohibits the display of foreign flags or national emblems in public without authorization or special exemption. Violators may face a fine of up to 500 Singapore dollars (approximately 13,000 baht), imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
The Israel-Hamas conflict is a highly sensitive issue in Singapore, a diverse country composed of 74% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, 9% Indian, and others, with around 15% of the population practicing Islam.
Earlier in 2023, Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs warned the public against symbolic expressions related to the conflict, emphasizing that "peace and racial and religious harmony in Singapore must be jointly protected. We must not allow external events to disturb our internal peace."
Besides the flag incident, Massive Attack also stated they had to remove certain songs from their concert setlist, briefly citing "local laws" as the reason. Media are coordinating with IMDA and the event organizer, Lushington Entertainments, to confirm the details.
Massive Attack is an award-winning British trip-hop band from Bristol, formed in 1988, known for hits like "Teardrop." They have a clear political stance and often use their performances to question global conflicts such as those in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, and have condemned Israel's military actions in Gaza as "genocide."