Masked men confronted by community over ‘disgusting’ anti-Semitic sign on steps of Parliament House in Melbourne

A group of 20 masked men “ran away” after they were confronted holding an anti-Semitic sign by the community and police.

Police have vowed to unmask approximately 20 men in Melbourne after they allegedly displayed an anti-Semitic sign on the steps of Victoria’s Parliament House.

The group, masked and dressed head to toe in black, unfurled a banner shortly before 7pm on Friday evening.

Speaking to the media on Saturday, North West Metro Region Acting Superintendent Kelly Walker said it appeared the group were there for a “picture opportunity” and ran away as soon as police arrived.

“We know members of the public who were present … were outraged by what they could see on the sign,” she said.

“It was Christmas, they were yelling at the men and we’d ask those people if they’d come forward and assist us with this investigation.”

The incident occurred shortly before 7pm. Picture: X.

She said the group ran off and dispersed into Fitzroy Gardens as police backup arrived, but one man was able to be identified.

Acting Superintendent Walker described the sign as “disgusting” and “not palatable”, vowing is was a priority that police identify the men.

“Its terrible, the intention is to cause unrest,” she said.

“Victoria Police condemns this type of behaviour and this sign and this offensive behaviour.”

Acting Superintendent Walker said there was a range of criminal charges that could be laid from offensive behaviour up to grossly offensive behaviour in public.

She added that police would seek advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions.

National Socialists demonstrated on the steps of the Victorian Parliament. Picture: Supplied/ X

In a video of the incident, one of the men present, a self-described white supremacist, stated the protest was against new laws they believe will limit their rights to political protest.

Last month the Victorian Government tabled new legislation which will be debated in the New Year.

The Labor government says the Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill 2024 will strengthen laws against hate speech or conduct that undermines social cohesion while protecting the right to free speech.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan on Friday condemned the act.

“Masked Nazis on the front steps of our democracy with a mission to make Jews in our state feel unsafe,” she said.

“Anti-Semitism is rising around the world. I refuse to let Victoria succumb to it.

“We want to make it impossible for Nazis to function in this state – not just by banning their symbols and salutes of hate, but by putting their vilifying threats and incitements in the crimes act, where they belong.”