Singapore authorities are investigating British band Massive Attack following the display of a Palestinian flag during the group’s concert on Wednesday, citing a possible breach of licence conditions.
In a statement on Friday, Singapore police said reports had been lodged after two members of the band raised the Palestinian flag on stage at the end of the performance while the audience cheered.
The investigation is being conducted jointly by the police and the country’s media authorities to determine whether the concert violated licensing regulations.
Singapore generally prohibits the public display of foreign national flags and emblems without a permit or official exemption. The Palestinian flag is considered particularly sensitive due to the ongoing war in Gaza and Singapore’s diverse, multi-religious society.
In 2023, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs advised the public against displaying or wearing items linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, warning that the issue remains highly emotive.
The ministry said it was important to prevent overseas conflicts from affecting Singapore’s racial and religious harmony, adding that peace between communities should not be taken for granted.
According to official statistics, Singapore’s resident population is made up of 74% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, 9% Indian, and 3.3% from other ethnic groups. Around 15% of residents are Muslim.
Massive Attack, formed in Bristol in 1988, is well known for incorporating political messages into its performances.
During the Singapore concert, the band’s visual presentations reportedly criticised US technology company Palantir and highlighted conflicts involving Iran, Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine.
Neither the concert organiser, Lushington, nor Massive Attack had publicly commented on the investigation at the time of writing.
