Singapore concertgoers urge leniency for the band’s pro-Palestine acts on stage but lawyers say that a line has to be drawn
4-MIN READ4-MIN ListenJean IauPublished: 4:57pm, 4 Aug 2026Updated: 4:58pm, 4 Aug 2026The banning of British band Massive Attack from Singapore for pro-Palestine acts during their concert has split opinion in the city state, with some lamenting what they see as laws that are too strict and others urging foreigners to comply with local rules.At their gig on Wednesday, the two-man band held up a Palestinian flag and shouted “Free Palestine” along with members of the audience.
Under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act, it is illegal to display non-Singaporean flags in the city state. Holding a protest without a permit is also prohibited under the Public Order Act.
The IMDA is also investigating a possible breach of licence conditions, including one stipulating there should be no display of flags in support of any causes.
