Police have arrested the alleged leader of the anti-Semitic protest outside parliament on Friday
The alleged leader of an anti-Semitic protest outside state parliament on Friday has been arrested and released pending charges.
Melbourne City
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A man who police say led an anti-Semitic protest on the steps of parliament has been arrested after handing himself in.
It comes as about 20 people dressed in black held a large anti-Semitic banner about 7pm on Friday outside state parliament, with footage shared online showing the group yelling “the Victorian government wants to take away our freedom of speech” and “freedom for the white man”.
The group fled towards the Fitzroy Gardens as police arrived.
Members of the Crime Investigations Unit seized “a number of items” after they executed a warrant at a Wantirna South address on Monday.
On Monday 29-year-old Joel Davis — a member of white supremacist group National Socialist Network — handed himself in to police where he was arrested and released.
Mr Davis then took to social media where — after bragging about the protest — he explained why he handed himself in.
“I wanted to get it over with so I could visit my family without the family house getting raided by cops and ruining Christmas,” he posted on X.
“They have released me without charge for now. They said I’m being investigated for ‘grossly offensive public conduct’ and ‘racial vilification’ - if and when I get charged I’ll let you know.”
Mr Davis then went on to tell his followers to “keep up the pressure on the Jews and their servants in media and government online”.
Police say proposed charges will be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions as required under the Racial and Religious Tolerance Act.
On Friday Acting Superintendent Kelly Walker described the protest as “disgusting” after members dispersed.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said the force “vehemently condemns anti-Semitic or racially motivated behaviour in our society and will not tolerate this kind of activity.”
The investigation remains ongoing as police work to identify others involved.
Anyone with information that can assist police, or who has CCTV, or dashcam is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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