An 18-year-old from Weston in Canberra has been arrested and charged with a series of alleged hate-related offences, including performing Nazi salutes in public and spreading propaganda material at the Australian National University (ANU).
Alleged acts of hate across the capital
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) allege the teenager committed two separate public Nazi salutes at shopping centres in Canberra in recent months. In one incident in October, a member of the public reportedly confronted the man as he was placing stickers at a shopping centre, after which he allegedly performed the salute before leaving. A second alleged Nazi salute occurred on December 12 at a different shopping centre.
Furthermore, the man is accused of trespassing on the ANU campus multiple times during August and September. During these alleged incidents, he is said to have stuck propaganda-style stickers on university buildings and other property, damaging Commonwealth assets.
Christmas Eve arrest and serious charges
AFP officers executed a search warrant at the man's residence on Christmas Eve, leading to his arrest. During the search, police seized several items including mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera, and clothing.
The man now faces a string of charges that carry significant potential prison time. He has been charged with:
- Two counts of public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving a Nazi salute, an offence with a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
- Two counts of offensive or disorderly behaviour on Commonwealth premises.
- Two counts of damaging Commonwealth property, the more serious of which carries a maximum penalty of ten years behind bars.
He is scheduled to appear before the ACT Magistrate's Court.
Police vow swift action against antisemitism
AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt strongly condemned the alleged behaviour, linking it directly to the pain felt by the Jewish community. "Anyone allegedly performing Nazi salutes is displaying criminal behavior that brings pain and anguish to the Jewish community and divides Australian society," Nutt said.
He described antisemitism as "a cancer that requires swift and direct action," a mission being undertaken by the AFP's National Security Investigations team. This team was established in September specifically to target groups and individuals causing high harm to Australia's social cohesion, including attempts to vilify marginalised communities.
"Along with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to stopping hate, division and violence in the community," Assistant Commissioner Nutt affirmed.
