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Roger Waters at a previous performance in Düsseldorf (archive)

Photo: Henning Kaiser / picture alliance / dpa

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters has dismissed the allegations surrounding his appearance in Berlin as "malicious attacks". His critics wanted to "slander and silence" him, Waters said in a statement posted on Twitter and Instagram.

The 79-year-old singer had performed at a concert last week in a long black leather coat and a red armband. The Berlin police are now investigating for incitement to hatred, because the clothing resembles that of an SS officer, as a police spokesman said. On the contrary, Waters wants his outfit to be understood as a "clear sign against fascism and injustice".

In fact, the piece »In the Flesh«, to which Waters wears the uniform jacket, is about traumatizing the fictional hero from the album »The Wall«, who imagines himself in the role of a dictator. The depiction of the fanatical and fascist demagogue has been an integral part of Waters' concerts since 1980.

Criticism of Israel and anti-Semitism

Criticism of this performance is not new, but receives new attention through numerous statements critical of Israel by the musician. Waters, for example, is accused of being close to the so-called BDS campaign, an anti-Israel boycott initiative. At previous concerts, Waters released pig-shaped balloons with a Star of David on them. The city of Frankfurt had tried to cancel a concert of the singer. Waters took legal action against the cancellation and was successful.

The Federal Government Commissioner for Anti-Semitism, Felix Klein, has now called for further legal action. "I appeal to the vigilance of the police and the judiciary and encourage further charges," he told the newspapers of the Funke media group. Unfortunately, the lawsuits brought against Waters have so far gone in his favor. "Although he spreads anti-Semitism and allegedly engages in incitement to hatred."

rai/AFP