An 18-year-old man from Weston is facing serious allegations after reportedly performing Nazi salutes on two different occasions at a Canberra suburban shopping center in recent months.
Authorities claim that the young man trespassed onto the Australian National University campus several times during August and September. During these visits, he allegedly placed propaganda-style stickers on various buildings and other properties.
The situation escalated in October when the man is accused of giving a Nazi salute to someone who confronted him while he was in the act of placing these stickers at a shopping center. Allegedly, he repeated this gesture on December 12 at another shopping center.
Following these incidents, police executed a search warrant at his residence on Wednesday. During the search, law enforcement reportedly seized several items, including mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera, and clothing.
A search warrant was later executed on his property on Wednesday.
Police seized multiple items, including mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and clothing.
The man was charged with two counts of public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute, two counts of damaging Commonwealth property and two counts of offensive or disorderly behaviour on Commonwealth premises.
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations Stephen Nutt said the acts will not be tolerated by the AFP.
“The AFP established the National Security Investigations team in September to target groups and individuals causing high harm to Australia’s social cohesion, including attempts to vilify marginalised communities.
“Antisemitism is a cancer that requires swift and direct action, which is what the AFP is continuing to do. Along with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to stopping hate, division and violence in the community.”
The 18-year-old will face court today.
