Artist wears Nazistyle clothing during song; The minister stated that excusing Nazism is a crime, but the case needs analysis
Justice and Public Security Minister Flávio Dino denied that Roger Water’s concert in Brazil was “previously censored” because the former Pink Floyd lead singer wore Nazistyle clothing during his performances. Dino explained that the case requires analysis.
According to a report published this Saturday (June 10, 2023) in the newspaper O Globo, Dino had told STF (Supreme Federal Court) Minister Luiz Fux that Roger Waters could be arrested in Brazil if during the show he allegedly Nazi uniform would wear the 2nd half of this year.
On his Twitter profile, Dino stated that the practice of apologizing for Nazism is a crime and that the norm applies to “everyone who lives here or comes here”. However, he stressed that this would be examined on a casebycase basis.
“I still haven’t received a petition with an apology for Nazism that would take place in a musical show. When I receive it, I will analyze it calmly and carefully.” he wrote Dino on his Twitter profile.
In another publication, the minister said that cancellations and radical statements currently “only serve to strengthen the extreme right and facilitate their return to power”.
UNDERSTAND
At a presentation on May 17 in Berlin, Germany, Roger Waters caught the public’s attention after taking the stage in a black leather coat with a red armband with two crossed hammers no swastika.
The German police have launched a criminal investigation into suspected incitement to hatred. The use and display of Nazi symbols, including the swastika and SS insignia, is illegal in Germany except for educational purposes and in artistic contexts.
However, Waters claims the costume is a reference to the character “Pink” from the rock opera The Wall an album by Pink Floyd criticizing the Nazi regime and the postWorld War II era (19391945). “The depiction of an unbalanced fascist has always been part of my exhibitions since The Wall in 1980,” said the artist.