Police investigate pro-Palestine protest sign for possible anti-Nazi law breach
By Roy Ward
Victoria Police are investigating whether an anti-Israel sign at a pro-Palestine protest on Sunday breached the state’s ban on displaying Nazi symbols or gestures in public.
Police estimated about 2000 protesters attended the rally at the State Library shortly after midday, before the group walked to Catani Gardens in St Kilda.
Pro-Palestine protesters march through Melbourne on Sunday. The sign under investigation is shown in the distance.Credit: Luis Enrique Ascui
A sign was sighted and photographed at the State Library and during the rally which depicted a Swastika drawn over the top of a Star of David with “Zionism” written on the top and “Nazism” on the bottom.
Later in the day, police were made aware of the sign and have begun an investigation which could lead to the matter being referred to the Australian Federal Police.
“No arrests were made however police have been made aware an offensive sign was sighted at the State Library shortly after midday,” police said in a statement.
“Police will assess the image against state legislation to determine if an offence has been committed.
“Depending on the assessment, a referral may also be made to AFP for further investigation.”
Nine News reported police had to form a human line between members of a pro-Israel rally and the pro-Palestine rally as they passed each other on the bridge.
“Officers were also told a water bottle was thrown while the group was walking along Princes Bridge,” police said.
“No one was injured, however police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The groups dissipated peacefully at the conclusion of the protest.”
Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said the Nakba rally was organised by “a broad coalition of Palestinian solidarity groups”.
Mashni said the march was peaceful but didn’t comment on the sign.
The Victorian government banned people from displaying or performing Nazi slogans, gestures and salutes in 2023, and those laws were held up in court in October 2024 when a man was found guilty of performing a salute outside the County Court just days after the ban came into effect.
A person found guilty of that offence can face fines of $23,000, 12 months in prison or both.
There are exceptions for genuine academic, artistic, educational, or scientific purposes or for fair and accurate reporting of an incident.
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