Legendary Pink Floyd member and musician Roger Waters hasn’t exactly been quiet when it comes to discussing his political views in recent years. Earlier this week the performer called for the release of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange at a rally in the city of London, before performing the Pink Floyd classic “Wish You Were Here.”
This rally took place right outside the Home Office, which deals with immigration and security for the United Kingdom, in a manner that is similar to the US Department of Homeland Security. During the rally Waters stated “Julian Assange, we are with you,” and “Free Julian Assange,” to a crowd of over 500 protesters.
“How do we put ourselves in the position of a Julian Assange in solitary confinement, or with that kid in Syria or Palestine or Rohingya, being blown to bits by these people in this building here?”the artist explained at the rally.“It is called empathy,and it is the most valuable thing any human being can possess in their lives.”
As a major supporter of the Boycott Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement against the Israeli occupation of Palestine, the artist has urged numerous performers, including Nick Cave, Radiohead and The Chemical Brothers to cancel their performances in the country. In 2017, the musician faced backlash when officials in Nassau County in New York urged for his performance to be cancelled because of his stance on BDS.
”To peacefully protest against Israel’s racist domestic and foreign policies is NOT ANTI-SEMITIC. Your(Nassau County’s) contention that because I criticize the Policies of the Israeli government I should be lumped in with the Muslim Brotherhood is risible, and again a personal affront,” Waters explained in response to the county’s officials. “I have spent my whole adult life advocating separation of church and state.”
Photo Credit: Sharon Alagna
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