The AFP has charged a Ferntree Gully man, for the alleged display of a Hezbollah flag during protest activity in Melbourne’s CBD on 29 September, 2024.
The 36 year-old is summoned to appear in Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2025, after he was charged on 13 December 2024 by AFP-led Operation Advarna investigators with:
One count of public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol, being a Hezbollah flag, on 29 September 2024, in the Melbourne CBD, Victoria, contrary to section 80.2HA of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The offence carries a maximum penalty of 12 months’ imprisonment.
In December 2021, the Commonwealth designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.
In January, 2024, the Commonwealth introduced legislation prohibiting the public display or trade in prohibited Nazi symbols and symbols used by prohibited terrorist organisations. The Hezbollah flag is a prohibited symbol under the legislation.
After a number of protesters displayed prohibited symbols in September this year, the AFP’s Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command established Operation Ardvarna, to investigate a number of reports of crime from Victoria Police.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Nick Read said the AFP would not tolerate crimes that incited or advocated violence, or hatred, based on race and religion.
“The AFP has been relentlessly pursuing evidence and gathering intelligence to ensure those accused of displaying prohibited symbols can be brought before the courts and face justice,’’ Commander Read said.
“More than 1100 hours has been spent investigating this matter, including reviewing more than 100 hours of CCTV evidence and police body worn camera footage and progressing the analysis of information collected during an AFP week of action in October.
“While it is important the AFP provides community reassurance and deterrence through education, action is the greatest deterrence.
“As of today, 13 individuals remain under investigation for display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol in a public place; three search warrants have been executed against three individuals, while a further three people have been spoken to by investigators; and a number of mobile telephones have been seized, as well as an item of clothing depicting a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol.”
Commander Read said he expected further charges would be laid against other alleged offenders.
