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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Sami Quadri

Pink Floyd star Roger Waters faces police probe over ‘Nazi costume’ at Berlin concert

Pink Floyd bassist Roger Waters is facing a police investigation for dressing in Nazi-style uniform at a concert in Germany.

The musician, 79, wore a black trench coat with a red armband as he appeared to mimic the SS outfit from World War Two.

He pretended to shoot at the crowd with a fake gun while an inflatable pig bearing the Star of David floated above.

The names of Holocaust victims, including diarist Anne Frank, were projected on a screen at the show last week.

The Jewish News said Berlin police have launched a criminal investigation “regarding the suspicion of incitement of the people”.

Police chief Martin Halweg told the paper his costume could be seen as glorifying the violent rule of the Nazi regime.

Labour MP Christian Wakeford is among those who have condemned the musician over his “divisive actions”.

Mr Wakeford, who represents Bury South, said Mr Waters should not perform in Manchester amid fears he could fuel anti-Jewish hatred.

Mr Wakeford told MPs he was “concerned” about Mr Waters playing at the AO Arena on June 10.

“The city of Manchester has a rich and vibrant history in which those of different faiths and backgrounds have lived together as well as stood together through difficult times and times of division,” he said.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry criticised Mr Waters on Twitter, writing: “Good morning to every one but Roger Waters who spent the evening in Berlin (Yes Berlin) desecrating the memory of Anne Frank and the six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust.”

It added: “Great news! Berlin police have launched a criminal investigation.”

US campaign group StopAntisemitism also accused Waters of “denigrating” the murder of Frank.

Earlier this year, Mr Waters was accused of being “antisemitic to your rotten core” by Polly Samson, wife of his ex-Floyd bandmate David Gilmour.

The bassist says he is speaking out against Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. He began his Berlin show by insisting he is not anti-Semitic.

Mr Waters representatives have been contacted for comment.

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