Man, 18, faces court for allegedly performing Nazi salutes in public
A Canberra man has been charged with allegedly performing Nazi salutes in public, as well as trespassing and defacing Commonwealth property.
Zachary Hook, 18, allegedly performed two separate Nazi salutes directed towards people at a suburban shopping centre in Canberra over recent months.
"Anyone allegedly performing Nazi salutes is displaying criminal behaviour that brings pain and anguish to the Jewish community and divides Australian society," AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said.
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Zachary Hook, 18, allegedly performed two separate Nazi salutes directed towards people at a suburban shopping centre in Canberra over recent months. Australian Federal Police
The Weston man allegedly trespassed at the Australian National University on multiple occasions in August and September and stuck propaganda-style stickers on buildings and other property
It will be alleged Hook performed a Nazi salute towards an individual who confronted him while he was placing stickers at a shopping centre in October.
He also allegedly performed a Nazi salute on December 12 at a separate shopping centre.
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The man is expected to face court today. Australian Federal Police
Officers seized mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and clothing. Australian Federal Police
A search warrant was later executed on his property on Wednesday.
Police seized multiple items, including mobile phones, a computer, stickers, storage devices, a video camera and clothing.
Hook was charged with two counts of public display of prohibited Nazi symbols or giving Nazi salute, two counts of damaging Commonwealth property and two counts of offensive or disorderly behaviour on Commonwealth premises.
The 18-year-old was all smiles after facing court today, despite the possibility of a decade behind bars if convicted.
The 18-year-old was all smiles after facing court today, despite the possibility of a decade behind bars if convicted. 9News
AFP Assistant Commissioner Counter Terrorism & Special Investigations Stephen Nutt said the acts will not be tolerated by the AFP.
"The AFP established the National Security Investigations team in September to target groups and individuals causing high harm to Australia's social cohesion, including attempts to vilify marginalised communities," he said.
"Antisemitism is a cancer that requires swift and direct action, which is what the AFP is continuing to do.
"Along with our law enforcement partners, we are committed to stopping hate, division and violence in the community."
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