“I don’t care if it offends Jews”
The first Victorian to be charged with performing a Nazi salute in public says he continues to perform the banned gesture every day.
Jacob Hersant leaves the Melbourne Magistrates Court in Melbourne, Friday, December 8, 2023. (AAP Image/Joel Carrett)
Jacob Hersant, 24, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday for a mention hearing after he was charged over the October 27 incident.
It’s alleged he performed the Nazi salute outside the Victorian County Court six days after it became illegal to intentionally display or perform a Nazi gesture or symbol in public.
Hersant was respectful to the magistrate on Friday as he requested an adjournment of the hearing so he could get legal aid.
But outside court, the 24-year-old told reporters he continues to perform the salute and heil Hitler every day because he’s a national socialist.
“I don’t care if it offends Jews,” Hersant said.
He accused Jewish people of having a stranglehold over western societies, but provided no examples or proof of his opinion.
AAP has chosen not to publish many of Hersant’s comments.
Hersant is due to return to Melbourne Magistrates Court in January for a further mention.
Under the laws that passed the Victorian parliament in October, those who perform a Nazi salute in public face a fine of more than $23,000 or 12 months in prison.
Police have the power to direct a person to remove a Nazi symbol or gesture from public display, and to arrest and lay charges.
Exceptions apply if the performance or display of a Nazi symbol or gesture is done in good faith for a genuine academic, artistic, educational or scientific purpose.
AAP
He is brave with his mask on to spew hatred.
It seems he’s been given the wrong first name at birth.