Roger Waters received the Pedro Ernesto Medal on the morning of last Friday, the 27th, in a discreet event at the Rio de Janeiro City Hall.
This is the highest honor bestowed by the legislative body and was an initiative of councilwoman Monica Benício (PSOL), according to Agência Brasil . Waters received the honor, in Monica's words, for being "a great comrade in the fight for justice" in relation to the assassination of Marielle Franco and human rights.
“This man is not only an accomplished artist and a rock legend, but also a tireless activist,” the councilwoman stated. “Roger is a great comrade in the fight for justice for Marielle and for human rights. He understands that peace is not just the absence of war, but the presence of justice, equality, and freedom.”
According to Agência Brasil , the event was discreet, and Monica Benício asked attendees not to share images until the meeting was over, as a security measure. Roger Waters reportedly spoke with human rights defenders from other organizations and was moved by the honor he received. He promised to pay tribute to Marielle Franco at his show in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday night, the 28th.
Roger Waters also met Lula in Brasília.
A few days earlier, during his visit to Brasília, Roger Waters visited President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at the Palácio do Planalto .
On that occasion, Lula thanked the musician for his "gestures of solidarity" and his "stance against the denialism that has taken over this country," while Waters greeted the president, saying, "It's very good to see you, brother."
