Singapore police are investigating British trip-hop band Massive Attack after members displayed a Palestinian flag during a Wednesday night concert, with authorities suggesting the action may have breached the event's licensing terms.
Police and the country's media regulator said they received reports following the flag display by two band members as the audience responded positively. Singapore typically requires permits or official exemptions for public displays of foreign national flags. Authorities have adopted a stricter stance regarding symbols connected to the Israel-Hamas conflict, citing the need to preserve religious and ethnic harmony.
In 2023, Singapore's Ministry of Home Affairs cautioned the public against displaying conflict-related symbols, stating: "The peace and harmony between different races and religions in Singapore should not be taken for granted, and we must not let events happening externally affect this peace and harmony we have in Singapore."
The country is ethnically and religiously diverse, with ethnic Chinese forming roughly three-quarters of the resident population and Muslims representing approximately 15%.
Massive Attack, established in Bristol in 1988, has integrated political themes into its performances. During Wednesday's concert, displayed videos criticized the technology company Palantir and addressed various global conflicts including Gaza, U.S.-Iran tensions, Sudan, and Ukraine.
The band and concert organizer did not immediately comment on the investigation. Massive Attack has boycotted Israel since 1999 in opposition to what it describes as the "occupation of Palestine," Though the group had performed three shows there previously. The band has also expressed support for the campaign to free imprisoned Fatah-Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti.
Singapore has recognized Israel diplomatically since 1969 while backing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The government has consistently emphasized that international disputes should not fuel local communal tensions.