Massive Attack Under Investigation in Singapore Over Pro-Palestine Show of Support

Massive Attack has come under investigation for allegedly violating Singapore's public-speech laws after showing support for Palestine during their Wednesday concert in the country. Late Friday, two members of the band were banned from entering the country.

Local authorities confirmed that police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) launched investigations after reports that the band unfurled a Palestinian flag onstage and led the audience in chants of "Free Palestine." "Police confirm that reports have been lodged and investigations are ongoing," officials said, adding that "IMDA is also looking into a possible breach of licensing conditions."

In Singapore, concert and performance licenses strictly limit the delivery of politically charged messages from the stage; foreign artists taking positions on local politics or international conflicts can be treated as a licensing violation.

The Bristol-born trip-hop group is among the artists who have long taken an open stance on the Palestinian cause and supported calls for cultural boycotts. The band has not issued an official statement regarding the investigation at this stage.