Massive Attack Singer Robert Del Naja Arrested at Liverpool Pro-Palestine Protest

Massive Attack member Robert Del Naja was taken into custody following a pro-Palestine demonstration in Liverpool, England, on Saturday. The singer was detained after displaying a sign that stated, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” near the venue for the Labour Party Conference, which begins in Liverpool on Sunday.

A video capturing the arrest was published on Instagram by the British activist collective Defend Our Juries. In the recording, police instruct him to vacate the location because he is allegedly “committing an offence.” Del Naja responds in the video: “I don't recognise the offence because under UK law, it is actually an offence to aid and abet any private individual or company aiding and abetting genocidal war crimes.”

When a police officer asks if he understands that Palestine Action is a proscribed entity—having been designated a terrorist organisation by the UK in July 2025—Del Naja states, “I don't agree with the proscription.” A second officer then informs him: “You're under arrest for supporting a proscribed organisation.”

Prior to his arrest, Del Naja co-published a video alongside Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori and human rights barrister Michael Mansfield, urging British Prime Minister Andy Burnham to deproscribe Palestine Action. In the clip, the three individuals call on authorities to halt the arrests of citizens holding peaceful placards or protesting against actions in Gaza.

Massive Attack has a long history of supporting the Palestinian cause, frequently advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza and utilizing their concerts to draw attention to global humanitarian issues. In July, Del Naja and bandmate Grant Marshall received entry bans and stern warnings in Singapore after displaying a Palestinian flag during a performance.

Additionally, Massive Attack helped form an alliance in 2025 for artists speaking out against Israel's actions in Gaza. Frontman Del Naja was also among more than 200 individuals detained during an April demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, held in support of Palestine Action.