By TOI STAFF

Echoing Assad regime, Pink Floyd co-founder claims rescue group spreads propaganda for ‘jihadists and terrorists’

Pink Floyd co-founder Roger Waters denounced the White Helmets civil defense group in Syria as a fake organization” that spreads propaganda for jihadists and terrorists.”

Rogers made the comment Friday at a concert in Barcelona, when he said someone had wanted to speak to the audience on behalf of the group about the alleged chemical attack by the Syrian regime earlier this month.

He is one voice. I personally think he is entirely wrong. I believe the organization that he purports to represents and who he supports — the White Helmets — are a fake organization that exists only to create propaganda for the jihadists and terrorists,” said Waters, who in recent years has become known for his vocal backing of a boycott of Israel.

If we would listen to the propaganda of the White Helmets and others, we would be encouraged to encourage our governments to go and start dropping bombs on people in Syria,” he added, saying to do so would be a mistake of monumental proportions.”

Waters’ remarks echoed those of Syria and its backer Russia, who have asserted the deadly chemical attack in Douma was staged. Western countries have pointed the finger at Syria, and the US, UK and France carried out strikes against Syrian targets over the weekend in retaliation for the attack.

Images of the attack in Douma were shared by the White Helmets, which works to rescue civilians in rebel-held areas.

They have gained international renown for their daring rescues, often filmed and circulated on social media, and were nominated for the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize.

AFP contributed to this report.