Kings Cross: Two men arrested after displaying swastika flag on same day Albanese announces new legislation
Police have been called and arrested two men after they allegedly brazenly displayed a flag featuring a swastika symbol in a busy bar in Sydney’s Kings Cross.
The two men were charged after the flag containing the offensive symbol was displayed at Darlinghurst on Thursday.
At about 4.30pm, officers from Kings Cross Police Area Command were called to a hotel on Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst, following reports a man was displaying the flag showing the swastika symbol.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.A short time later the 51-year-old man and another man – aged 44 – were arrested nearby and taken to Kings Cross Police Station.
The flag and several electronic devices were seized.
Both men have been charged with knowingly display by public act, nazi symbol, without excuse.
They were refused bail to appear before Downing Centre Local Court on Friday.
The offences occurred on the same day the federal government announced sweeping changes to laws with new minimum mandatory sentencing for hate crimes in a bid to quell the growing wave of anti-Semitic attacks in Australia.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made the announcement about the new laws while touring flood ravaged areas of northern Queensland on Thursday.
“We made sure we have strong legislation. We’re the first government to introduce legislation about Nazis, and other hate symbols,” Mr Albanese said.
“We did that last year. We’re strengthening the legislation today. We want people who are engaged in anti-Semitic activities to be caught, to be charged and put in the clink.
“That’s my priority.”
