{
  "id": 77672,
  "title": "Massive Attack band says Singapore police detained, questioned them after concert",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/massive-attack-band-says-singapore-police-detained-questioned-them-77672",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-03T08:45:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2026/08/03/massive-attack-band-says-singapore-police-detained-questioned-them-after-concert"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Massive Attack, the renowned British trip-hop band, disclosed on Sunday that Singaporean authorities detained and questioned members of their group following a concert last Wednesday. The incident occurred when frontman Robert Del Naja and another band member unfurled a Palestinian flag and were greeted by the audience chanting \"Free Palestine!\" The band's statement on Instagram expressed surprise and disappointment at the detention and questioning of the entire ensemble. Several band members had their hotel rooms searched, and passports were temporarily seized. Police have not yet commented on the band's statement. According to Reuters witnesses, two British nationals, Del Naja and Grant Marshall, raised the flag and were cheered by the audience. Singapore's police deemed the band's actions potentially harmful to racial and religious harmony in the country and issued stern warnings to the two members, prohibiting their re-entry into Singapore. The band did not specify which members were detained or whose belongings were searched and passports confiscated. During their performance, Massive Attack was accompanied by a live backing band and guest vocalists, including Elizabeth Fraser from the Cocteau Twins. The band emphasized in their statement that the act of holding up a sovereign state's flag, recognized by 157 countries, should not be considered a violation of any law. They highlighted the significance of defending universal human rights and freedom of expression, especially in the face of threats. Singapore law prohibits the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption, making the Palestinian flag particularly sensitive due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the sizable Muslim population residing in the city-state. With an ethnically and religiously diverse population of approximately 6.11 million, around 15% of citizens and permanent residents in Singapore identify as Muslim. Formed in Bristol, England, in 1988, Massive Attack is recognized for their politically charged stance, frequently incorporating conflicts from Iran, Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine in their concert visuals.",
  "summary": "In a statement posted on Instagram on Sunday, the band said they were 'surprised and disappointed' that the entire band was detained and questioned over the Palestinian flag episode.",
  "key_points": [
    "Singapore police detained Massive Attack members after concert",
    "Frontman Robert Del Naja unfurled Palestinian flag",
    "Band expressed disappointment at detention and questioning"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Massive Attack band says Singapore police detained, questioned them after concert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/massive-attack-band-says-singapore-police-detained-questioned-them-77627",
        "published": "2026-08-03T08:46:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Maverick",
        "title": "Massive Attack band says Singapore police detained, questioned them after concert",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/massive-attack-band-says-singapore-police-detained-questioned-them",
        "published": "2026-08-03T09:16:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Al Jazeera",
        "title": "Massive Attack says members held after pro-Palestine display in Singapore",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/03/massive-attack-says-members-held-after-pro-palestine-display-in",
        "published": "2026-08-03T13:23:21.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}