Berlin police investigate Roger Waters for possible concert incitement

BERLIN (AP) — Berlin police said Friday they have opened an investigation into Roger Waters on suspicion of incitement to a costume the Pink Floyd co-founder wore when he performed in the German capital last week.

Footage on social media showed Waters firing an imitation machine gun while dressed in a long black coat with a red armband. Police confirmed that an investigation had been opened into suspicions that the context of the costume could constitute a glorification, justification or endorsement of the Nazi regime and therefore a threat to public order.

Once the police investigation is complete, the case will be handed over to Berlin prosecutors, who will decide whether to proceed further.

Waters has drawn anger for his support for the BDS movement, which calls for boycotts and sanctions against Israel. He rejected accusations of anti-Semitism.

Frankfurt authorities tried to prevent a concert there scheduled for May 28, but Waters successfully challenged the decision in a local court. In Munich, the city council said it explored the possibilities of banning a concert, but concluded that it was not legally possible to cancel a contract with the organizer. His appearance on Sunday was accompanied by a protest attended by the leader of the local Jewish community.

Last year, the Polish city of Krakow canceled concerts by Waters because of his sympathetic stance towards Russia in its war against Ukraine.

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