The International Movement for a Just World (JUST) is deeply disappointed with the Singaporean government for its heavy-handed action against the British band known as ‘Massive Attack’ for raising the Palestinian flag at their concert in Singapore on 29^th July 2026. The entire band was detained and questioned.

The hotel rooms of the band members were searched and their passports temporarily confiscated.

Two members of the band have been banned from re-entering Singapore.

The Singaporean police, it is alleged, had taken action against the band because the law in the island republic prohibits any demonstration of support or opposition towards any political cause through public channels. Such action, it is argued, could raise tensions and harm ethnic or religious ties in Singapore.   

There is no evidence to suggest that the Palestinian issue could divide and polarise the island’s multi-ethnic or multi-religious population. From what we have witnessed in many other multi-faith societies, the Palestinian issue, because it is firmly rooted in justice and compassion, has the capacity to unite diverse communities.

It explains to some extent why 157 governments have recognised the Palestinian aspiration to statehood. Tens of thousands of groups all over the world also acknowledge the right of the Palestinians to establish a sovereign, independent state of their own comprising Muslim Arabs, Christian Arabs, Jews and others. A Palestinian land of such variety was a reality for hundreds of years before the twin virus of Colonialism and Zionism infected their home. It is a home that Jews, Christians, Muslims and others hope to rebuild today and in the days to come. This is why the Palestinian cause has become one of the major rallying points in the eternal quest for a just, compassionate world.

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Dr Chandra Muzaffar is President, International Movement for a Just World (JUST). He is a Research Associate of the Centre for Research on Globalization (CRG).

Featured image: A view of Massive Attack performing in Singapore on Jul 29, 2026, and a screenshot from a video showing two band members lifting a Palestinian flag. (Images: CNA readers)

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