Police are investigating after masked men unfurled a banner declaring “Jews hate freedom” on the steps of the Victorian parliament building on Friday night.
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 apart from a large pair of 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 booed as he continued his incoherent rant.
“Freedom for the white man,” he chanted, 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 outside Parliament at around 6.55pm on Friday.
Davis was loudly booed as he continued his incoherent rant about Jews and “the white man.”
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allen reacted later on Friday, taking to social media to express her displeasure.
“That’s why I’m acting,” he wrote.
‘Masked Nazis on the first steps of our democracy with the mission of making the Jews of 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 Nazis to function in this state, not only by banning their hateful symbols and salutes, but by including their vilifying threats and incitements in crime law, where they belong.”
Allan added: “Tonight, Victoria sends her love and solidarity to our Jewish community. You are part of us.
“And to the Nazis on the front steps: you are the ones who hate freedom and we will expel you.”
Victoria Police said they were called to reports of 20 protesters displaying the banner outside Parliament House at around 6.55pm on Friday.
The group’s chants included “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.
‘Police have been told that members of the public who were present were outraged and verbally showed their displeasure at the protesters. The group ran towards Fitzroy Gardens and fled the scene.
‘Victoria Police vehemently condemns anti-Semitic or racially motivated behavior in our society and will not tolerate this type of activity. Investigators are collecting evidence to identify those involved.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.