A far-right extremist in Australia has been convicted of performing a Nazi salute just days after a new law banning the gesture came into effect. Jacob Hersant, 25, made the salute in front of journalists and TV camera crews, declaring, “Australia for the white man, heil Hitler.”

First conviction under new law in Victoria

Hersant’s conviction marks the first time the new law, which outlawed the Nazi salute in the state of Victoria, has been enforced. The incident occurred outside the County Court of Melbourne, where Hersant was attending on an unrelated charge. His actions were caught on film and quickly made headlines, spotlighting the state’s new legal measures aimed at curbing hate speech and symbols of hate.

Victoria’s crackdown on the Nazi salute followed federal legislation passed in December that bans the public display and trade of Nazi hate symbols nationwide. The law reflects Australia’s broader commitment to combating extremism and hate speech, amidst rising concerns over far-right activity.

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Court rejects defense arguments

Hersant’s defense lawyers argued that the gesture in question wasn’t a Nazi salute and that banning such expressions infringes on his implied freedom of political communication. However, a Melbourne magistrate rejected these claims, finding Hersant guilty of violating the new law.

Hersant is due to be sentenced on Wednesday, and he could face up to 12 months in prison along with a fine. When speaking to reporters after the trial, Hersant said he would consider appealing the conviction to a higher court.

Continued extremism: ‘I am a Nazi’

Outside the courtroom, Hersant made further inflammatory remarks, stating, “I do give the Nazi salute and I am a Nazi.” He also indicated he would continue to make the gesture, though added, “hopefully police officers don’t see it.”

Growing concerns over extremism

This case comes on the heels of another incident earlier this year in which three men were convicted of performing Nazi salutes during a soccer match in Sydney in 2022. Those individuals were fined and have since appealed their convictions.

Condemnation from anti-hate groups

Dvir Abramovich, chair of Australia’s Anti-Defamation Commission and a prominent voice against antisemitism, expressed relief over the conviction. “This is a historic and thundering day for justice and decency,” Abramovich said, underscoring the importance of enforcing laws that tackle symbols of hate.

Hersant’s conviction underscores the growing national and global attention to the spread of far-right extremism, as governments work to balance free speech with the need to curtail hate-driven acts and rhetoric.