Two members of Massive Attack have been issued stern warnings and barred from re-entering Singapore following the band’s concert at The Star Theatre on 29 July.
In a joint statement issued on 31 July, the Singapore Police Force and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) said two band members had been investigated for supporting a political cause and displaying a Palestinian flag during the performance.
After consulting the Attorney-General’s Chambers, police administered stern warnings to both men for offences under Section 3 of the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act and Section 16 of the Public Order Act.
Both members will be banned from entering Singapore again. As a result of the entry ban, IMDA said it would not approve any future applications for Massive Attack to perform in the country.
The agency is separately investigating possible breaches of several conditions attached to the concert’s licence, including one prohibiting “the display of flags in support of any causes”. IMDA said it would take the necessary action once its investigations had concluded.
During the concert, Robert “3D” Del Naja and Grant “Daddy G” Marshall were seen holding up a Palestinian flag as the audience cheered. Del Naja also said “Free Palestine”, before members of the crowd independently took up the chant. The band also told the crowd that they had pulled a song from the intended setlist due to “local laws.”
Singapore prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption. Those convicted may be fined up to S$500, imprisoned for up to six months, or both.
Police said they took a serious view of acts that could potentially affect Singapore’s racial and religious harmony. They also urged residents and visitors not to “import foreign politics”, saying this could undermine social cohesion and the rule of law.
Concert promoter Lushington Entertainments previously said it would “fully cooperate with the relevant authorities as required”.
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