Singapore: British band Massive Attack said its members were "detained by the police, isolated and separately questioned" after their concert in Singapore last Wednesday, where a Palestinian flag was displayed on stage at the end of the performance amid "Free Palestine" chants from the audience.
According to Anadolu Agency, following the performance at the Star Theatre, the band expressed their surprise and disappointment in a post on Instagram, revealing that their entire band was detained by the police, isolated, and separately questioned. Some members even faced hotel room searches and temporary passport confiscation.
The group noted that large sections of the audience "organically" chanted "Free Palestine" before the band took the stage and again at the end of the show. They presumed that the audience was aware but undeterred by the fact that this spontaneous expression could potentially violate Singapore's censorship laws.
The band stated, "For our part, we did not imagine that merely holding up the flag of a sovereign state recognized by 157 countries (Palestine) would violate any law." Despite this, Singapore police launched an investigation into the band over a "possible breach of license conditions" following the show.
In Singapore, the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption is prohibited. Offenders may face a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. The police issued a statement on Friday indicating that band members Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were banned from re-entering Singapore and received "stern warnings."
The police emphasized the serious view taken on acts that could potentially harm racial and religious harmony in Singapore, urging the public, including foreigners, to refrain from importing foreign politics as it could undermine social cohesion and the rule of law.
Despite the consequences, Massive Attack expressed pride in their impromptu expression of solidarity alongside their fans in Singapore. They hoped that Singapore would ratify the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, allowing citizens expressions of conscience without fear of state prosecution.