Neo-nazis march through Melbourne CBD with ‘White Man Fight Back’ sign

Around 100 masked men marched through Melbourne’s CBD in the early hours of Saturday morning — with police watching on.

At the front of the procession past Bourke Street Mall, two individuals carried an Australian flag and a National Socialist Network flag, while another man held a sign reading “White Man Fight Back.”

The National Socialist Network is an Australian neo-Nazi organisation formed in 2020 and known for using protests and media tactics to recruit members nationwide.

Police vehicles were seen arriving at the scene with lights flashing, but officers appeared to allow the march to continue without interference. This is not the first time such demonstrations have occurred in Melbourne, with previous events reportedly linked to neo-Nazi groups.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police responded to a pop-up protest in the Melbourne CBD on 9 August at about 12.40am.

“Around 100 people dressed in black with face coverings marched through the Melbourne CBD,” the spokeswoman said.

“Police were quick to respond to ensure public order was maintained.”

She said the group eventually walked to Flagstaff Gardens where they dispersed at about 1.25am.

“It is alleged an altercation occurred during the protest where a man confronted the group and was assaulted. The man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and police will investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.”

The spokeswoman said no arrests were made throughout the protest and police had a strong presence to maintain community safety and to prevent any breach of the peace.

“Victoria Police respects the right to protest however there is absolutely no place for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour in our society and police will not tolerate such activity,” she said.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

More to come.