Scandal in Singapore over Palestinian flag at Massive Attack concert (VIDEO)

British band Massive Attack has been banned from entering Singapore for life after unfurling a Palestinian flag and chanting "Free Palestine!" during a concert at The Star Theatre on July 29. Police have launched an investigation into political agitation and display of foreign symbols. Authorities justify the strict laws as necessary to preserve racial and religious harmony.

British musical collective Massive Attack has faced harsh sanctions from Singaporean authorities. The musicians have been banned from entering the country for life after displaying a Palestinian flag during a live performance. The incident occurred on July 29 on the stage of The Star Theatre concert hall. Band founders Robert Del Naja (3D) and Grant Marshall (Daddy G) unfurled a Palestinian flag and chanted the slogan "Free Palestine!" from the stage. Despite prior agreements with organizers to comply with local rules, the musicians deliberately took this step. Singapore police immediately launched an official investigation into political agitation and display of foreign symbols. Singapore has a strict prohibition on displaying flags or symbols of other states without special permission. Authorities explain such uncompromisingness as necessary to preserve the fragile racial and religious peace in a multi-ethnic country. Law enforcement issued strict official warnings to the band members under the laws on foreign state emblems and display, as well as public order norms. The main outcome of the investigation was a complete ban on returning to the country: any future visa applications by Robert Del Naja and Grant Marshall to enter Singapore are officially blocked and will not be approved by the immigration service. Massive Attack was founded in Bristol in 1988 and is considered one of the main pioneers of the trip-hop genre.