An 18-year-old man is set to face court after being charged for allegedly displaying a Nazi symbol outside a mosque in Perth's south-eastern suburbs. The incident has prompted a strong response from Western Australian police, who are reinforcing their commitment to stamping out racially motivated behaviour.
Arrest Follows Police Patrol Near Gosnells Mosque
Police officers were conducting a patrol on Mills Road in Gosnells around 8:20am on Tuesday as part of a specific operation. The patrol, known as Operation Dalewood, was established in direct response to the Bondi terror attack in Sydney and enforces a strict zero-tolerance stance against antisemitism.
During the routine patrol, authorities spotted the young man wearing a black face covering. Their attention was drawn to a necklace he was wearing, which allegedly featured a Nazi symbol. The man was arrested at the scene and subsequently taken to the nearby Gosnells Police Station for processing.
Charges Laid Under Strengthened Police Focus
The 18-year-old from Huntingdale has been formally charged with one count of displaying a Nazi symbol in a public place. He also faces an additional charge of failing to obey a police order. He is scheduled to appear at the Armadale Magistrates Court on January 16 to answer to these allegations.
A spokesperson for WA Police stated that prosecuting individuals involved in extremist or racially motivated actions remains a core priority for the force. "Police will continue to take firm action against any individual or group who seeks to incite hatred or division through public displays of extremist ideology," the spokesperson affirmed.
Operation Dalewood Expands Presence at Sensitive Sites
As a direct component of Operation Dalewood, police presence will be significantly increased at various community locations. This will involve both overt and covert operations at places of worship, schools, and community organisations across the state. The move aims to deter similar incidents and reassure the public.
Authorities are urging all community members to remain vigilant. They have asked anyone who witnesses similar behaviour or becomes a victim of a hate crime to contact police immediately to report the incident.
