A man has been charged for allegedly waving the flag of terrorist group Hezbollah at a protest attended by thousands of people in Melbourne.
The 36-year-old is accused of displaying the flag of the designated terrorist organization at the event in the city’s CBD on September 29.
The man from Ferntree Gully, in Melbourne’s south-east, was charged on Friday with publicly displaying a symbol of a banned terrorist organisation.
The alleged crime carries a maximum sentence of 12 months behind bars.
Officers are also investigating other alleged incidents involving the display of banned symbols during protests as part of a specialized AFP operation.
Thousands of people gathered at the September demonstration as part of demonstrations in support of Palestine and Lebanon amid the conflict in the Middle East.
The demonstrations took place following the death of former Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, killed in an Israeli airstrike in southern Beirut on September 27.
AFP counter-terrorism commander Nick Read said officers have been carrying out a thorough investigation into those accused of displaying banned symbols.
The 36-year-old is accused of displaying the flag of the designated terrorist organization at the event in the city’s CBD on September 29 (pictured: protesters in Melbourne on September 29).
Commander Read said the AFP would not tolerate crimes that advocate or incite violence based on race or religion.
“The AFP has been tirelessly seeking evidence and gathering intelligence to ensure that those accused of displaying banned symbols can be brought to justice and brought to justice,” he said.
Commander Read said more than 1,100 hours have been spent investigating incidents involving protesters, who allegedly displayed banned terrorist symbols.
More than 100 hours of CCTV evidence and police body camera footage have also been collected and reviewed in relation to the alleged incidents.
Commander Read said 13 people are being investigated for allegedly displaying symbols of illegal terrorist organisations.
“Three search warrants have been executed against three people, while investigators have spoken to three other people,” he said.
Officers also seized several mobile phones and an item of clothing depicting a banned terrorist organization.
“While it is important for the Armed Forces to provide reassurance and deterrence to the community through education, action is the greatest deterrent,” said Commander Read.
Commander Read said 13 people are being investigated for allegedly displaying symbols of illegal terrorist organizations (pictured, a police officer at a pro-Palestinian rally in Perth).
The Australian government designated Hezbollah a terrorist organization in December 2021.
The government also enacted legislation in January this year to make it illegal to publicly display or trade Nazi symbols.
Giving the Nazi salute is also an illegal act under the new laws and regulations have also ensured that praising acts of terrorism is considered a criminal offence.
Commander Read said more charges are expected to be laid against other alleged offenders.
Footage of the protests showed several Hezbollah flags being waved by small groups of young people.
Others, including adults and children, held framed photographs of Hassan Nasrallah.
Similar protests were also held in Sydney.