German police investigate Roger Waters for wearing Nazi-style attire to a concert

Berlin police have opened an investigation against British musician Roger Waters for possible hate speech after his show in the German capital was condemned by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
26 May 2023 Friday 16:24
9 Reads
German police investigate Roger Waters for wearing Nazi-style attire to a concert

Berlin police have opened an investigation against British musician Roger Waters for possible hate speech after his show in the German capital was condemned by the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

The Nazi-style clothing in which Rogers appeared on stage is likely to "glorify" National Socialist violence in a way "hurtful to the dignity of the victims" and, therefore, "disturbing public order," a spokesman for the organization said. police to EFE.

The Pink Floyd co-founder wore a black coat and red bracelet during a performance of a song in which he takes on the character of a dictator.

During the show, the names of various victims of state violence were projected on the walls, including the young Jewish Anne Frank, killed in the Holocaust, and the Palestinian journalist Shireen Abu Akleh, who was shot dead in 2022 by Israeli soldiers.

It was for this reason that the Israeli Foreign Ministry accused the British musician of having "tarnished the memory of Anne Frank and the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust."

In previous iterations of the show, Waters had ascended a pig-shaped balloon bearing the symbol of the Star of David above the stage, which this time was replaced by the names of arms companies.

Waters' tour of Germany has been the subject of harsh criticism from Jewish associations, which have called protests in front of the concerts, and from the municipal authorities of various cities, which have done everything possible to prevent the performances.

Thus, the Frankfurt City Council (south) terminated Waters' contract to perform at the municipal concert hall on May 28, and accused him of being "one of the most prominent anti-Semites in the world."

However, a court ruled in favor of the musician, who had appealed the decision, arguing that there are no indications that Rogers has committed any criminal offense and that therefore his performance is covered by the principle of artistic freedom.