Police Sergeant Escapes Prosecution for Nazi Salute

Despite the recent conviction of several other men for the outlawed gesture, a Victorian Police Sergeant will not be prosecuted for the alleged offence.

Victorian police maintain a heavy presence outside the Melbourne Magistrates Court in Victoria, Australia, on Apr. 3, 2006. William West/AFP via Getty Images

Despite prosecutors in Victoria seeking a prison term for the first person to be found guilty of performing a Nazi salute after it became illegal, they say they will not bring case to court.

In October, when 25-year-old Jacob Hersant was found guilty of the offence, the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP)  pushed for a custodial sentence saying his action had vilified minority groups and had “no place in Victoria.”