SINGAPORE, July 31 (Reuters) – A concert by Massive Attack in Singapore on Wednesday is being investigated by police and media authorities for “a possible breach of licence conditions” after the British band ended their performance with a display of the Palestinian flag.
Police said in a statement on Friday that reports have been lodged and investigations are ongoing after two band members raised the flag on stage as the audience cheered.
Singapore does not allow the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption, and the Palestinian flag is especially sensitive given the war in Gaza and Singapore’s Muslim population.
In 2023, the home affairs ministry said: “The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict is an emotive issue. We would like to advise against the public display and wearing of articles in relation to the conflict, given the heightened sensitivities.”
“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.”
Singapore’s resident population is 74% Chinese, 13.6% Malay, and 9% Indian, with 3.3% classified as others. Around 15% are Muslim.
The Bristol band, formed in 1988, is known for its outspoken political stances, with videos during their concert taking aim at U.S. tech firm Palantir, and highlighting conflicts from the U.S.-Iran war to Sudan, Gaza and Ukraine.
Neither concert organiser Lushington nor the band immediately responded to a request for comment.
(Reporting by Xinghui Kok; Editing by David Stanway)
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