Robert Del Naja was arrested in London on March 12, 2026 during a pro-Palestine rally. What this means for the European tour.
A protest in London supporting Palestine is now having consequences for Robert Del Naja.
On Saturday, March 12, 2026, a large rally took place in the center of the city. Hundreds of people gathered in Trafalgar Square to hold a pro-Palestine demonstration. Among them was Massive Attack frontman Robert Del Naja. He had a clear message to proclaim: As part of the action, he was seen holding a sign on which it was written: “I reject genocide, I support the action for Palestine.” The protest was directed against the ban on the organization “Palestine Action”. The pro-Palestinian network has been active in Great Britain since 2020 and is on the terror list. Membership or support of the group is considered a criminal offense.
According to police, 523 people between the ages of 18 and 87 were arrested during the rally, including the singer. A video of the arrest is circulating on the Internet. You can see officers approaching the 61-year-old to inform him that he is being arrested. They then carry him off the pitch.
Statement before the protest
Even before the action, the artist told the PA news agency that he wanted to take part in the demonstration despite the possible consequences for his career.
The exact wording of his statement: “As a musician, you naturally worry a lot about the fact that we might no longer be able to travel and get visas.” He then added: “But I thought: This is absurd. And when the police made another U-turn and arrested people again, I found it even more absurd. So I decided to hold up a sign today.”
And further: “If I am arrested, I am very confident that with the right support I can say in court: This was an unlawful arrest and therefore I do not accept it.”
He concluded: “I think Palestine Action’s actions were highly patriotic. They essentially saved our country from engaging in serious war crimes and breaking international law. It couldn’t be more patriotic.”
Consequences for the Massive Attack tour?
Massive Attack have been committed to Palestine for a long time and make no secret of their support for the war-torn country. It remains to be seen whether the arrest could have consequences for the duo’s musical work. The group is planning a European tour with several dates for the summer of 2026.
Post-arrest statement
On April 13, 2026, Robert Del Naja released a statement via Instagram. In the post he showed pictures of the arrest and included clear words about the events. In it, the performer declares that he does not regret his action and turns against the “draconian government” of Great Britain.
The statement said: “During the Israeli genocide in Gaza, most people, myself included, felt like they were gradually losing their minds. How could the world, including the British government, allow something like this to happen?”
“This sense of madness was compounded by the inexplicable attitude of much of the British news media (including the BBC) in refusing to name who was committing one atrocity after another. It was Israel, and everyone knew it was Israel. Why didn’t they say?”
“On the subject of insanity,” he added, “in Britain in 2026 you can be arrested under the Terrorism Act if you sit in silence and hold up a cardboard sign saying you oppose genocide and support non-violent measures to prevent it.”
