Massive Attack condemn authoritarianism after Singapore ban for displaying Palestine flag

Massive Attack have described being detained, questioned and ultimately banned from returning to Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag onstage as a ​“surreal experience”, saying the incident underscored the importance of defending freedom of expression ​“wherever those rights are threatened”.

The Bristol trip-hop group issued a statement on Sunday responding publicly for the first time after Singaporean authorities barred founding members Robert Del Naja aka ​‘3D’ and Grant Marshall aka ​‘Daddy G’ from re-entering the country following their performance at the Star Theatre on 29 July.

“Following our performance… we were surprised and disappointed that our entire band was detained by the police, isolated and separately questioned – with some members subjected to hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation,” the band said.

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The investigation followed the group’s decision to unfurl a Palestinian flag during the show. According to Massive Attack, audience members had also repeatedly chanted ​“Free Palestine” before and after the performance.

“Before we set foot on the stage and again at the end of the show, large sections of the auditorium organically led chants of ​‘Free Palestine’, presumably aware but undeterred that this spontaneous expression alone could violate their government’s censorship laws,” the band wrote.

“For our part, we did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognised by 157 countries would violate any law.”

Singapore has strict restrictions on public political expression, including laws prohibiting the display of foreign national flags and emblems without official permission. On Saturday, Singapore police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority confirmed that Del Naja and Marshall had received stern warnings after an investigation and would be banned from re-entering the country. Authorities also said any future applications for the pair to perform in Singapore would not be approved.

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Police said they ​“take a serious view of acts which could potentially harm the racial and religious harmony in Singapore”, adding that foreigners should not ​“import foreign politics” into the country.

In their response, Massive Attack said they stood by the gesture, describing it as an ​“impromptu expression” of solidarity with Palestinians alongside fans in the venue.

“We are proud to have made this impromptu expression with our fans in Singapore who clearly felt a moral imperative to show solidarity with the people of Palestine,” the band said, adding that ​“the continued inaction of the ​‘international community’ is moving citizens to personal risk”.

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The group also drew parallels between their treatment abroad and recent policing of pro-Palestine demonstrations in the UK, writing that the episode was ​“a reminder of the importance of defending universal human rights and freedom of expression wherever those rights are threatened”, including ​“at home in the UK where, extraordinarily, we still see peaceful protestors arrested under terrorism laws for holding up handwritten signs protesting genocide”.

Last week, 117 people were arrested outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action, after protesters chanted, ​“I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The arrests came as the group was granted permission to appeal its proscription as a terrorist organisation to the UK Supreme Court, with supporters arguing the ban criminalises peaceful political expression.

Massive Attack have become some of the music industry’s most outspoken supporters of Palestinian rights over the past two years. Earlier this year, Del Naja was among hundreds arrested during a London protest against the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.

Ella Glossop is Huck’s social editor. Follow her on Bluesky.

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