First Person Jailed for Performing Nazi Salute in Victoria

Jacob Hersant was sentenced to a month in jail on Nov. 1 after being found guilty of performing the Nazi salute publicly—a gesture outlawed in Victoria.

Members of the National Socialist Network perform Nazi salutes during a protest rally in Melbourne, Australia, on June 4 2023. MARTIN KEEP/AFP via Getty Images

In a landmark case, Jacob Hersant, 25, became the first person in Victoria to be convicted under new laws banning Nazi salutes, although he was released on appeal bail after serving less than an hour in custody.

On Nov. 1, Hersant was sentenced to one month in jail after being found guilty of performing the Nazi salute publicly—a gesture now outlawed in Victoria.