AFP investigating Hezbollah flags displayed at Melbourne anti-Israel protest

Police have been ­ordered to check the visa status of protesters who displayed pro-Hezbollah flags at protests as Opposition Leader Peter Dutton slammed the slow ­response.

Victoria Police has been ­ordered to check the visa status of protesters who displayed pro-Hezbollah flags and chants at Sunday’s protests, but the Coalition has condemned the “completely unacceptable” slow ­response after suggesting the actions were “glorifying” terror groups.

Victoria Police on Monday referred at least six reports of crimes related to displaying symbols of the terror organisation to Australian Federal Police, while NSW authorities are also reviewing footage.

Protesters at the State Library in Melbourne. Picture: Valeriu Campan

However, as of September 30, the AFP had charged no individual with a prohibited terrorist organisation symbols offence since new laws came into effect at the start of this year, nor have any arrests occurred.

The AFP has issued a call-out for video of the Sunday protests at which people were seen carrying Hezbollah flags and portraits of slain terror leader Hassan Nasrallah, while Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke has asked state authorities to “check the visa status” of anyone who came to their attention.

“I won’t hesitate to cancel the visas of visitors to our country who are spreading hate,” Mr Burke said.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton wrote to AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw seeking ­“urgent action” in ­response to the “shocking and disgraceful scenes” in Melbourne and Sydney where “racist and genocidal phrases and slogans were chanted” by some present.

“I am shocked that in Australia we have seen open support for the listed terrorist organisations Hamas and Hezbollah in our two largest cities,” he wrote.

Mr Dutton told the Herald Sun it was “completely unacceptable” that as of Monday afternoon people accused of “glorifying Hezbollah and Hamas” by flying these flags had not already been arrested or had their visas cancelled.

He accused Anthony Albanese of “soft pedalling” on the protests over the past 12 months.

“It’s time for the Prime Minister to show strength and leadership, ensure that the law is enforced, crack down on this vile anti-Jewish hatred and incitement on our streets, and make sure that all Australians feel safe in their own country,” he said.

Picture: Valeriu Campan

Mr Albanese on Monday told his cabinet colleagues there were “worrying signs” at the weekend’s protests.

“We do not want people to bring radical ideologies and conflict here,” he said.

The public display of a prohibited terror symbol alone does not meet the threshold for a person to be charged under the new hate laws, but individuals face consequences if they also spread ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, inciting intimidation or ­offence.

Premier Jacinta Allan condemned the ugly scenes at protests in Melbourne, and said she expected police to pursue the matter.

“They should be held to account, not just for the displaying of a prohibited symbol but for the grief and pain and ­anguish that is causing far too many in our community, at a time when that grief and anger is raw,” she said. “It is my expectation that agencies pursue this because this is driving deep grief and division on the streets of Melbourne.”

On Tuesday the Albanese government will announce academic Aftab Malik as the Special Envoy to Combat ­Islamophobia in Australia, after the appointment of Jillian Segal as the Special Envoy to Combat Anti-Semitism.

Mr Malik said promoting social cohesion and fighting against hate in Australia was more important now than it had ever been.

“I look forward to working with Muslim leaders and the broader community to promote peace, understanding and inclusivity,” he said.

Picture: Valeriu Campan

Picture: Valeriu Campan

Originally published as AFP investigating Hezbollah flags displayed at Melbourne anti-Israel protest