Massive Attack’s Singapore ban tests legal limits of artistic freedom

Singapore concertgoers urge leniency for the band’s pro-Palestine acts on stage but lawyers say that a line has to be drawn

At their gig on Wednesday, the two-man band held up a Palestinian flag and shouted “Free Palestine” along with members of the audience.

Under the Foreign National Emblems (Control of Display) Act, it is illegal to display non-Singaporean flags in the city state. Holding a protest without a permit is also prohibited under the Public Order Act.

The IMDA is also investigating a possible breach of licence conditions, including one stipulating there should be no display of flags in support of any causes.