CANBERRA, ACT, Sept. 25 -- Australian Federal Police issued the following media release:
A Sydney man was sentenced to three years' imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 18 months, by the NSW District Court today (25 September, 2026) for performing a Nazi salute and making a series of offensive online posts.
The man, 28, is the first person sentenced since the introduction of a mandatory minimum sentence of 12 months' imprisonment for performing the Nazi salute.
The AFP's National Security Investigations (NSI) team began an investigation into an offensive online post directed towards an Australian high office holder in December, 2025.
NSI investigators executed a search warrant at a Beacon Hill home that month and seized Nazi paraphernalia, including a uniform, hat and far right-wing literature, as well as mobile phones, a laptop and computer.
The man was charged and granted conditional bail by the NSW Local Court, including a condition that he does not use encrypted communication platforms.
In January, 2026, the man was arrested for breaching his bail by using an encrypted communication platform. His bail was revoked, and he was remanded in custody.
Following further inquiries, additional charges were laid in March, 2026 for a series of offensive online posts, including posts which targeted federal parliamentarians.
In May, 2026, the man pled guilty to:
* One count of performing a Nazi salute, contrary to section 80.2H(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth);
* One count of contravening a requirement in a section 3LA order, contrary to section 3LA(6) of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth); and
* Six counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code (Cth).
He will be eligible for parole in May, 2027.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett announced the establishment of NSI teams in October, 2025, to target groups and individuals causing high levels of harm to Australia's social cohesion, including those targeting of the high office holders and federal parliamentarians.
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
