Neo-Nazis unfurl ‘Jews hate freedom’ banner on steps of Victorian parliament in brazen protest
Police are investigating after masked men unfurled a banner reading ‘Jews hate freedom’ on the steps of the Victorian Parliament Building on Friday evening.
Video of the incident, posted on social media by Australian neo-Nazi Joel Davis, showed a group of masked men, dressed all in black, holding the banner.
Davis, who was unmasked except for large sunglasses, said the Victorian government was “complicit in an agenda to take away your rights, my rights, all of our rights.”
“This country does not belong to the Jews, it belongs to the white Australian people who built it,” he said.
“Jews hate freedom, and this government is complicit in the destruction of our freedoms.”
Davis was loudly interrupted as he continued his incoherent tirade.
“Freedom for the white man,” he sang, as his followers responded, “the Jews must go.”
The group’s chants also included “Hail Victory,” the English translation of the Nazi “Sieg Heil.”
Victoria Police said they were called to reports of 20 protesters displaying the banner at Parliament House about 6.55pm on Friday.
Davis was loudly interviewed as he continued his incoherent tirade about Jews and “the white man.”
Victoria Premier Jacinta Allen responded later on Friday, taking to social media to express her disgust.
“This – this is why I act,” she wrote.
‘Masked Nazis at the forefront of our democracy with a mission to make Jews in our state feel unsafe.
‘Anti-Semitism is increasing around the world. I refuse to let Victoria succumb to it.
“And we want to make it impossible for the Nazis to function in this state – not only by banning their symbols and hate speeches, but by bringing their slanderous threats and incitements under the criminal law, where they belong.”
Ms Allan added: ‘Tonight Victoria sends her love and solidarity to our Jewish community. You are part of us.
“And to the Nazis on the sidewalk: you are the freedom haters, and we will drive you out.”
Victoria Police said they were called to reports of 20 protesters displaying the banner at Parliament House about 6.55pm on Friday.
The group’s chants include “Hail Victory,” the English translation of the Nazi “Sieg Heil”
“Police are investigating after an anti-Semitic sign was displayed during a protest in Melbourne’s CBD on Friday, December 20,” a spokesperson said.
‘The police were told that the public present was outraged and verbally showed their disgust to the demonstrators. The group ran towards Fitzroy Gardens and fled the scene.
“Victoria Police strongly condemns anti-Semitic or racially motivated behavior in our society and will not tolerate this type of activity. Investigators are gathering evidence to identify those involved.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.