Hate crimes: Three men charged over nazi items amid AFP’s crackdown on extremism
The Australian Federal Police has charged three men with possession of what it said were nazi-related items, including books, a sword, axes and flags and for giving a nazi salute as it cracks down on extremism.
A 43-year-old British man from Caboolture, a outer Brisbane suburb, posted nazi imagery on social media in October and November, AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt told a press conference in Canberra.
When police raided his home, they allegedly found a sword with a swastika symbol, axes and knives.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The man has been charged with three counts of displaying a prohibited nazi symbol and one of using a phone or the internet to “menace, harass or cause offence”.
Photographs distributed by police showed several Nordic-like axes and swords at his home.
The man was arrested as a result of one of the first investigations ordered by new AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett, who established a national security investigations team in October to hunt extremist individuals and groups, especially those threatening the Jewish and Muslim communities.
The team conducted a “week of action” against prohibited symbols, which include nazi swastikas, which are banned under laws introduced in 2023 in response to the rise of anti-Semitism triggered by the war in the Gaza Strip.
The laws prohibit the display or sale of certain extremist symbols, Mr Nutt said.
A 21-year-old man in the Brisbane suburb of Manly was charged with the possession of extremist material after banned flags and literature were found in his home last Thursday.
A separate search in the Sydney suburb of Castle Hill, prompted by information from Border Force that 12 illegal flags had been shipped from overseas, led a person to voluntarily hand over prohibited symbols and books.
A person living at the property was charged will allegedly making a nazi salute at a public event in Sydney.
“The AFP will not hesitate to take action against those who undermine Australia’s social cohesion, and democracy,” Mr Nutt said.
There was indication the three men are connected and the police did not reveal their names.
In February mandatory minimum sentences were introduced for some terrorism and hate crimes, and longer jail terms for displaying nazi and terrorist symbols. The maximum sentence for performing a nazi salute was set at five years in jail.
