First Person Jailed For Performing Nazi Salute in Victoria

In a landmark case, Jacob Hersant, 25, became the first person in Victoria to be convicted under new laws banning Nazi salutes, although he was released on appeal bail after serving less than an hour in custody.
On Nov. 1, Hersant was sentenced to one month in jail after being found guilty of performing the Nazi salute publicly—a gesture now outlawed in Victoria.
He reportedly made statements endorsing white supremacy and referencing Adolf Hitler.
Magistrate Brett Sonnet condemned his actions as “racist” and “a serious example of the offence,” adding that the court must denounce such behaviour.
During sentencing, Hersant’s lawyer argued his actions were protected by freedom of speech, an argument the magistrate dismissed.
After a brief adjournment, Hersant was granted bail with strict conditions, including restrictions on travel and contact with prosecution witnesses.
The magistrate warned Hersant that any breach of his conditions could impact his appeal.
NSW authorities recently charged a 36-year-old man with performing a Nazi salute at a football game in Moore Park Stadium, Sydney.
The charge came after an investigation led by the Surry Hills Police Area Command.
Earlier this year, the Australian federal government introduced legislation banning Nazi salutes, symbols, and hate-driven gestures, with the laws officially coming into effect in January.
Police conducted search warrants across multiple Melbourne suburbs, detaining individuals associated with racial vilification and offensive public conduct.
This action follows an incident in Port Melbourne, where men allegedly dressed in offensive clothing verbally harassed members of the public.