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Former Pink Floyd lyricist Roger Waters may face legal repercussions after expressing support for Palestine Action, an organization recently designated as terrorist by the U.K. government.
In a video posted on X, the musician, who is also a Rock ‘N Roll Hall of Fame inductee, hailed Palestine Action as a “great organization.” He further acknowledged Bob Vylan, a punk-rap artist, who led the Glastonbury Festival audience in an anti-Israel chant, exclaiming, “Death, death to the IDF.” This type of open expression around political sentiments has recently come under increased scrutiny.
Waters stated in the video that he was creating a message on cardboard using a Sharpie while in his studio. He shifted the camera focus to the cardboard to display his message.
The message declared, “Roger Waters supports Palestine Action, 5th of July 2025. Parliament has been corrupted by agents of a genocidal foreign power. Stand up and be counted. It’s Now.” He emphasized, “This is the moment. I am Spartacus.” In a bold claim, he dubbed July 5, 2025, as his Independence Day, asserting his independence from the U.K. government, which labeled Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.
Waters defended Palestine Action, stating the group is nonviolent and not a terrorist organization. He referred to it as a protest entity opposing the presence of Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer, in the United Kingdom. “I always will support Palestine Action because that is the right thing to do,” he declared.
The events leading to the ban on Palestine Action escalated after activists reportedly infiltrated a Royal Air Force base, causing damage to aircraft in protest against what they perceived as the British government’s endorsement of Israel. Such actions prompted the U.K. government to categorize the group under anti-terrorism laws.
Following a parliamentary vote, the proscription of Palestine Action became official at midnight. This designation opens the door for prosecution of individuals who express support for or engage with the banned group.
Under U.K. legislation, endorsing a banned organization or displaying symbols associated with it can result in severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 14 years and significant fines. Currently, 81 organizations, including well-known terror groups such as al-Qaeda, ISIS, and Hamas, face similar designations in Britain.
Sir David Hanson, the Minister of State in Parliament, commented on the approval of the ban, noting that Palestine Action allegedly circulated an “undercover manual.” This manual purportedly instructs members on forming small groups and provides tactics to carry out activities against private and government entities.
Hanson referenced the document’s guidance on covert operations and evading arrest, reinforcing the government’s stance that Palestine Action encourages terrorist behaviors. His statement included an assertion that the government would not tolerate such actions, regardless of the ideological motivations behind them.
He added, “The Government have assessed that Palestine Action promotes and encourages terrorism, including glorification of its attacks on social media. We cannot accept actions that contribute to radicalization or recruit individuals for terrorist activities in the name of Palestine Action.”
The Campaign Against Antisemitism, a group focused on combating antisemitism, shared Waters’ video shortly after its release. The organization noted that support for Palestine Action, defying the Terrorism Act 2000, constitutes a criminal offense.
They expressed determination to pursue legal action against individuals who violate these laws if authorities do not intervene. A spokesperson for the Campaign Against Antisemitism remarked, “The suggestion that the Jewish state wields excessive political influence is a breach of the International Definition of Antisemitism.”
The spokesperson continued, “Roger Waters has a long history of promoting conspiratorial tropes that can be dangerous. His public support for Palestine Action, now classified as a banned organization, raises significant legal concerns. We anticipate police action and will take further measures if necessary.”
Waters’ statements and public actions are generating debates about freedom of expression versus endorsement of groups deemed harmful by authorities. Whether Waters will face legal consequences remains to be seen as more discussions around the implications of his statements unfold in the media.
Reported by Reuters
