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Thursday, February 5, 2026
Self-described Australian Nazi loses appeal against prison sentence for performing banned salute
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Self-described Australian Nazi Jacob Hersant has become the first person in Australia sentenced to prison for performing a Nazi salute, after losing his appeal against a one-month prison sentence yesterday.
Hersant, 26, was originally sentenced to prison in October 2024 but filed an appeal, which was heard this week.
On October 27, 2023, Hersant gave the salute and praised Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in front of news media cameras outside the Victoria County Court, moments after avoiding a prison sentence on a conviction for causing violent disorder.
He gave the gesture six days after the Victoria state government made the Nazi salute illegal. The Federal Parliament passed legislation in December 2023 that outlawed nationwide performing the Nazi salute in public or to publicly display, or trade in, Nazi hate symbols.
According to The Guardian, Hersant argued in his appeal hearing that he did not perform the Nazi salute, but that even if he had, the charge against him was “constitutionally invalid.”
The Victorian County Court overturned his appeal, however, pointing out that he performed the salute outside the courthouse days after the law banning it came into effect in Victoria.
In performing the Nazi salute, the judge said, Hersant showed a disregard for the authority of the court, according to The Guardian.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.