Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters is facing possible legal consequences after publicly expressing support for Palestine Action, a group recently designated a terrorist organization by the UK government.
In a video posted to X (formerly Twitter), Waters called Palestine Action a “great organisation,” describing them as “nonviolent” and “absolutely not terrorists in any way.” His remarks came just days after the UK officially proscribed Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison or a substantial fine.
In the same video, Waters praised British punk-rap group Bob Vylan, who caused controversy at Glastonbury Festival after leading chants of “death, death to the IDF” (Israel Defense Forces). Waters did not directly endorse the chant but voiced support for the band’s broader stance.
Holding a cardboard sign reading “Roger Waters supports Palestine Action,” the musician declared:
“Parliament has been corrupted by agents of a genocidal foreign power. Stand up and be counted. It’s now. This is the moment. I am Spartacus.”
Waters then took his protest a step further, declaring independence from the UK government in protest of its decision:
“I declare my independence from the government of the UK, who’ve just designated Palestine Action a proscribed terrorist organisation.”
In response, organisations such as Campaign Against Antisemitism (CAA) issued warnings.
“We have reviewed this post,” the CAA wrote. “Palestine Action has been proscribed. Anyone expressing support for it contrary to section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000 commits a criminal offence. We stand ready to privately prosecute offenders in instances where an offence has been made out and the authorities fail to act.”
Past Controversies and Accusations
Roger Waters has long been a vocal critic of Israel’s policies regarding Palestine and has repeatedly denied accusations of antisemitism. However, his comments have provoked strong backlash from both advocacy groups and former colleagues. In 2023, music rights company BMG reportedly dropped him over his public remarks about Israel, Ukraine, and the United States.
In April 2023, Waters won a legal battle in Germany after a local court overturned a decision to cancel his Frankfurt concert. The venue had called him “one of the most widely known antisemites in the world,” a claim Waters strongly denies.
He has consistently stated that his criticisms are aimed at Israeli government policy, not the Jewish faith.
“Israel uses the charge of antisemitism to silence critics like me,” he previously claimed.
Waters has also clashed with other musicians over their positions on Israel. He once challenged Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood, saying:
“There is no argument to be made. It is not a conflict. It is a genocide, Thom and Jonny.”
As Waters continues to make headlines for his activism, this latest episode adds to his growing list of political and legal controversies—leaving open the question of whether UK authorities will pursue action against one of rock’s most outspoken figures.
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO:
https://x.com/rogerwaters/status/1941571779857895768
