First Person Convicted Under Victoria’s Nazi Salute Ban Faces Imprisonment & Now Police Sergeant Under Investigation for Alleged Nazi Salute

Jacob Hersant Source: AAP / Con Chronis

On Wednesday, October, 9, Jacob Hersant in Victoria, Australia, a far-right extremist, was found guilty on Tuesday of performing a Nazi salute last year, marking the first conviction under Victoria’s new legislation banning the gesture. The 25-year-old had argued that the law was constitutionally invalid, but a magistrate dismissed his claim.

Hersant was charged in October 2023, just six days after the legislation came into effect. On Wednesday, Magistrate Brett Sonnet stated that imprisonment was the only "appropriate sentencing order," though he had yet to decide the length of the sentence. The offence carries a maximum penalty of $24,000 or up to 12 months in jail.

Despite the ruling, Hersant was allowed to remain free until sentencing, scheduled for four weeks from now. Outside the court, he told reporters he had no regrets about his actions.

As Hersant and his associates, including prominent neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell, exited the courthouse, they were heard making anti-Semitic remarks.

Then two days later, Victoria Police began investigating a 65-year-old sergeant following allegations that she performed a Nazi salute in front of police recruits, authorities said. The officer, who has served more than 40 years on the force, was interviewed by detectives from the Professional Standards Command on Saturday.

“The officer has been released without charge at this stage as the investigation remains ongoing,” a police spokesperson said. “A brief of evidence will be prepared regarding the incidents. Any charges arising would be expected to proceed on summons.”

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has apologized to the Jewish community in light of the allegations.

The incidents allegedly took place at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley, Melbourne. The sergeant, assigned to the People Development Command (PDC)—the unit responsible for training police members from recruits to senior leaders—is accused of making the Nazi gesture twice this week. Authorities claim she first approached two colleagues on Tuesday afternoon, performing the salute while uttering a common Nazi greeting, and repeated the actions the next day in front of recruits and an instructor.

Under Victorian law, performing a Nazi salute is illegal, with offenders facing a maximum penalty of $23,000 or up to 12 months in jail.