Roger Waters concert protested by Jewish groups amid anti-Semitism allegations

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Jewish groups and politicians gathered to protest Roger Waters’ concert in Frankfurt, Germany, amid allegations that the Pink Floyd co-founder performed in Berlin while wearing an outfit reminiscent of a Nazi uniform.

Ahead of Waters’ concert on Sunday night, Frankfurt-based Jewish groups Honestly Concerned and WerteInitiative (values ​​initiative in German) were among the groups and individuals who came together for a memorial ceremony and rallied against the event, according to a PA report.

The protest comes just days after Berlin authorities announced Waters was under investigation for a Nazi regime-themed performance that took place earlier this month at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin. . In a social media video of the performance, Waters is dressed in what appears to be a Nazi-style uniform featuring a red armband that replaced swastikas with hammers while pretending to fire a fake machine gun.

Also read:Roger Waters under investigation in Berlin after firing a fake machine gun – dressed as a Nazi – on stage (video)

According to Berlin Chief Inspector Martin Halweg, Waters is suspected of “inciting the people”, with the use of Nazi imagery and clothing being a crime in Germany.

“The context of the clothing worn is deemed capable of endorsing, glorifying or justifying the violent and arbitrary rule of the Nazi regime in a way that violates the dignity of the victims and thereby disturbs the public peace,” Halweg wrote in a statement. .

Ahead of Sunday’s event, the AP reported that authorities in Frankfurt tried to stop the concert from taking place, but ultimately failed to have Waters blocked in a local court.

Following allegations of anti-Semitism, Waters defended his performance in Berlin in a statement on Facebook, which accused protesters of aiming to “smear and silence [the musician] because they don’t agree [his] political opinions and moral principles.

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“The elements of my performance that have been questioned are very clearly a statement of opposition to fascism, injustice and bigotry in all its forms,” ​​Waters wrote. “Attempts to present these elements as something else are misleading and politically motivated. The depiction of an unhinged fascist demagogue has been a feature of my shows since Pink Floyds The Wall in 1980.

I spent my whole life speaking out against authoritarianism and oppression wherever I saw it. When I was a child after the war, Anne Frank’s name was often mentioned in our house, she became a constant reminder of what happens when fascism is left unchecked. My parents fought the Nazis in World War II, with my father paying the ultimate price, Waters said. “Whatever the consequences of the attacks on me, I will continue to condemn injustice and all who commit it.”

Also read:Roger Waters slams ‘dishonest and politically motivated’ investigation into Berlin’s performance

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