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SINGAPORE: The police and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) have opened investigations after British trip-hop band Massive Attack expressed support for the Palestinians at their concert in Singapore on Wednesday (Jul 29).<\/p>\n
\u201cPolice confirm that reports were lodged and investigations are ongoing,\u201d the police and IMDA said on Thursday in response to CNA queries.<\/p>\n
\u201cIMDA is also investigating a possible breach of license conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
The band shouted \u201cFree Palestine\u201d during their performance at The Star Performing Arts Centre, prompting many audience members to join in the chant, a concertgoer who asked not to be identified told CNA.<\/p>\n
Videos circulating online also showed two band members holding a Palestinian flag on stage while the crowd cheered.<\/p>\n
Singapore does not allow the public display of foreign national emblems without a permit or exemption. Offenders may be fined up to S$500 (US$387), face up to six months\u2019 jail, or both.<\/p>\n
CNA has contacted The Star and the concert’s promoter Lushington Entertainments for comment.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The band also claimed it had to pull a song from their set list but was vague about the reason, saying only that the decision was due to “local laws”.\u00a0<\/p>\n
CNA has contacted IMDA to confirm whether Massive Attack had to drop a song from its set list and, if so, why.<\/p>\n
Massive Attack started as a four-member band in 1988 in Bristol. It currently has two core members. The award-winning band behind hits such as Teardrop has previously criticised <\/span>Israel’s actions in Gaza<\/span>, calling it a “genocide”.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n