Singapore investigates Massive Attack over flag display

Singapore authorities have launched an investigation into the British trip-hop duo Massive Attack after the band displayed a Palestinian flag during a concert in the city-state. The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 29, at The Star Theatre as part of the band's world tour.

Police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), the national media regulator, confirmed on Friday, July 31, that they are reviewing the event for a possible breach of license conditions. Officials said reports were filed after band members Robert "3D" Del Naja and Grant "Daddy G" Marshall held up the flag at the end of their performance, an act met with cheers from the audience.

Singapore maintains strict regulations prohibiting the public display of foreign national flags or political symbols without written permission from authorities. The government has taken a particularly cautious stance regarding symbols linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing the need to preserve social harmony in its multi-ethnic and multi-religious society. In 2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an advisory urging the public to avoid wearing or displaying items connected to the conflict, warning it is an...