Massive Attack says it was surprised by the response from Singapore authorities after two members were banned from re-entering the country over a Palestinian flag displayed during a concert, according to Rolling Stone.
In an Instagram post shared Sunday, the band said police detained the full group after their July 29 performance at the Star Theatre in Singapore. The band said members were questioned separately, and some had hotel rooms searched and passports temporarily taken.
The group said audience members were already chanting “Free Palestine” before and after the show, and said it did not expect that holding up the flag of a state recognized by many countries would violate Singapore law. Massive Attack also said it was proud of the gesture and thanked fans in Singapore for their support.
Singapore officials confirmed after the concert that police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority had opened an investigation into the reported flag display and chant. On Saturday, authorities said Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall were banned from re-entering Singapore, and future work-permit applications for them would not be approved.
According to Rolling Stone, Singapore has restricted public displays tied to the Gaza war, including foreign national symbols without a permit. The band has been outspoken in support of Palestine, and Del Naja was also arrested at a London demonstration earlier this year.
