Singapore police have banned British trip-hop band Massive Attack from performing in the city-state after two members unfurled a Palestinian flag during a concert on Wednesday. The two unnamed members have also been barred from re-entering Singapore and issued with warnings.
Singapore, which has strict laws on public speech and assembly, requires a permit for the open display of foreign flags, national emblems or banners.
Investigation and warnings
A video circulating online showed two Massive Attack members unfurling the flag on stage to loud, prolonged cheers. Police said in a statement late on Friday that, after concluding their investigation and consulting state prosecutors, they "administered stern warnings to both men" and banned them from returning.
The concert promoter had not responded to an AFP request for comment at the time of publication, and the band had not issued a public statement.
Media regulator action
Police said the event organiser had previously accepted the licence conditions. "Notwithstanding the event organiser's prior acknowledgment of the licence conditions, during the performance, two band members held a foreign flag on stage, and one of them also shouted 'Free Palestine'," police said.
The media regulator is also investigating possible breaches of licensing conditions. In view of the entry ban, the regulator "will also not grant any future application for performances by the band in Singapore", police said.
Political context
Massive Attack has been publicly critical of Israel's military actions in Gaza and has supported the Palestinian cause. In April, frontman Robert Del Naja was among more than 200 people arrested at a protest in London's Trafalgar Square in support of Palestine Action, an activist group banned by British authorities.
Concert hub warning
Singapore is a major concert hub in south-east Asia, hosting multi-night performances by Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran and Bruno Mars. Police urged the public, including foreigners, "to refrain from importing foreign politics as this can undermine our social cohesion and the rule of law".
