Neo-Nazis again sully Victorian Parliament steps
Up to 20 protesters wearing black clothing and balaclavas gathered on the steps of Victorian Parliament House on Friday evening, displaying an offensive banner
Police have identified one of the men involved in an antisemitic protest at Victoria’s Parliament House, the Herald Sun reported on Saturday night.
Up to 20 protesters wearing black clothing and balaclavas gathered on the steps of Victorian Parliament House on Friday evening, displaying an offensive banner that read “Jews Hate Freedom”.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said Melbourne “stands firm against this wave of neo-Nazi barbarity”.
“Melbourne will never bow to the jackboots of hate, and we will never allow the echoes of Hitler’s hate to dictate the future of our multicultural, democratic community,” he said.
“Their sickness has no place in our streets, and we will fight tirelessly to ensure they are consigned to the fringes of irrelevance.”
Police Acting Superintendent Kelly Walker told the Herald Sun the display was “disgusting” and prompted outrage from onlookers.
“They were outraged by what they could see on the sign, it wasn’t appropriate,” she said.
The group was captured on video walking down the Parliament steps before heading towards Spring Street, where they chanted “freedom for the white man” and claimed “the Victorian government wants to take away our freedom of speech”.
They then fled towards Fitzroy Gardens.
Superintendent Walker confirmed to the Herald Sun that one protester has been identified and can expect to face charges.
“Police have been able to ID one of the men who was present, and they’ll be making all enquiries to apprehend him and look at the range of offences,” she said.
Victoria Police has confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
It is not the first time neo-Nazis have congregated on the steps of the Victorian parliament. A group of neo-Nazis performed Nazi salutes in shocking scenes there in March 2023.
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