A 36-year-old male has been charged after allegedly displaying tattoos identified as Nazi symbols in a public area of Newcastle, New South Wales, on Christmas Eve. The charges follow a report from a member of the public and an investigation by local law enforcement.
Incident Details
The alleged incident occurred at Bar Beach, a location frequented by both tourists and local residents, on Christmas Eve. A member of the public, Ben Parsons, observed the individual and reported his concerns to Crime Stoppers, providing photographic evidence of tattoos that included an SS Schutzstaffel symbol. The SS was a Nazi organization active during World War II, known for its role in atrocities, including against Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Police Action and Charges
Following the report, local detectives, in collaboration with Operation Shelter, reviewed the submitted evidence. On an unspecified date, the 36-year-old male was arrested at a residence in Urunga, located south of Coffs Harbour.
He has been charged with two offenses under New South Wales law:
- Knowingly displaying by public act a Nazi symbol without excuse.
- Causing a prohibited Nazi symbol to be displayed in a public place.
Legislative Background
New South Wales introduced legislation criminalizing the public display of Nazi symbols in August 2022. These laws were further strengthened in November 2023 with additional offenses related to Nazi conduct and symbols, following an antisemitic rally. Section 93Z of the Crimes Act defines a "public act" as any form of communication or conduct, including the wearing or display of signs, flags, emblems, and insignia, that is observable by the public.
Official Statements
NSW Premier Chris Minns commented on the matter, stating that the types of tattoos in question are covered by the government's expanded hate crime legislation. He further stated that it would be inconsistent for Nazi symbols to be illegal on objects but permissible on the body, and indicated that tattoo artists who create such symbols should feel shame. Premier Minns affirmed the government's commitment to addressing such displays within the community and expressed approval of the arrest.
Court Proceedings
The charged individual was granted strict conditional bail. He is scheduled to appear in Newcastle Court on January 22.