Dino rules out censoring Waters concert

The Minister of Justice, Flávio Dino, took a position this Saturday (10) on the possibility of censoring concerts in Brazil by the famous British musician Roger Waters, opting for caution. Dino dismissed the idea of ​​any prior censorship in relation to the risk of Waters using props with Nazi references during his performances scheduled for October and November, but said he is aware of the matter. In a post on Twitter, the minister stressed that, so far, he has not received any complaint related to “apology for Nazism” related to musical events, but guaranteed that he will analyze any demand that may arise “with calm and prudence”.

Dino clarified that it is the responsibility of the Judiciary to intervene in cases involving threats to the rights of people or communities, and that “dissemination of symbols, ornaments, badges or advertisements that use the swastika cross or inverted swastika to promote Nazism” is a crime. He emphasized that these norms apply to everyone who resides or visits the country, highlighting the importance of investigating whether the controversy surrounding Waters fits the hypothesis of “disclosure of Nazism”.

In addition, the minister commented on social networks that “cancellation attitudes, supposedly radical and revolutionary, in the current context, only strengthen the extreme right and facilitate its return to power”. He added that he has known Roger Waters’ work “for decades”. The musician’s tour of the country will pass through Brasília, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre, Curitiba, Belo Horizonte and São Paulo.

Following the controversy surrounding the use of Nazi symbols at his recent Berlin show, Waters released a statement saying he had been the target of “unfounded attacks by those who wish to vilify and silence him because of his political views and moral principles”. He explained that the performance in question sought precisely the opposite, that is, “to take a stand against fascism, injustice and fanaticism in all its forms”. Waters mentioned that the depiction of an unhinged fascist demagogue has been a recurring feature of his shows since the release of Pink Floyd’s film and album “The Wall” (1982) in 1980.

During his performance on May 17, Waters, 79, tested German laws that criminalize “incitement to hatred”, according to local police. Although he wore a uniform similar to those used by the SS, a paramilitary force of Adolf Hitler’s regime, the armband did not feature the swastika, but the symbol of the two crossed hammers present in the allegory of Nazism in “The Wall”.

Musician participated in Lula’s campaign, asking for video voting

In Brazil, Waters was also involved in another controversy last year, when he expressed his opinion on the country’s political process, asking for votes for Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT). In a video released by the then PT candidate’s team, he said: “We need you Brazilians to guide us into the future.” In 2018, the musician requested permission to visit Lula in prison, in Curitiba, but was unsuccessful. Two years later, he recorded a video celebrating the release of “the friend”.