Massive Attack's Robert Del Naja Arrested in Liverpool Over Palestine Action Sign
Massive Attack member Robert Del Naja was arrested in Liverpool for displaying a sign supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action outside the Labour Party conference.
Robert Del Naja, the Massive Attack member also known as 3D, was arrested in Liverpool on September 26 for supporting the Palestine Action movement, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the British government.
Del Naja was detained outside the venue hosting the Labour Party conference while holding a paper sign that read: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." According to police, displaying the sign constituted an offense because it expressed support for a proscribed group. This marks the second time Del Naja has been arrested for this reason.
"I do not recognize this offense," Del Naja told an officer who asked if there was a way to convince him to leave. Under British law, displaying support for a banned organization is a criminal offense, and Del Naja was subsequently arrested on suspicion of demonstrating support for a proscribed entity.
Massive Attack has a long history of pro-Palestinian activism, having reportedly boycotted performances in Israel since 1999. Earlier this summer, the band claimed their touring crew was detained in Singapore after Del Naja and Grant Marshall displayed a Palestinian flag on stage.
