Victoria Bans Face Masks in Protests, Extremist Flags in New Anti-Hate Legislation

Premier Jacinta Allan announced tough measures against anti-Semitism, violent protests, and those hiding behind masks to incite unrest.
Victoria Bans Face Masks in Protests, Extremist Flags in New Anti-Hate Legislation
Police at the scene of a fire at the Adass Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea, Melbourne, Australia on Dec. 6, 2024. AAP Image/Con Chronis
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The Victorian government has taken a strong stance against anti-Semitism and violent protests by banning flags and symbols associated with terrorist groups such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and some extremist right-wing groups.

New laws will also prohibit face masks and balaclavas at protests, targeting individuals who use them to conceal their identities and avoid law enforcement measures, including capsicum spray and other crowd control tactics.

Naziya Alvi Rahman
Naziya Alvi Rahman
Author
Naziya Alvi Rahman is a Canberra-based journalist who covers political issues in Australia. She can be reached at [email protected].
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