A 68-year-old man has been charged for allegedly wearing a shirt with an offensive symbol near Royal Commission hearings into antisemitism.
Police patrolling outside the third day of hearings in Sydney’s CBD allegedly saw a man wearing a t-shirt with a swastika emblazoned on the front about 11am on Wednesday.
Authorities issued the man, who identified himself to police as Ian Minus of Killarney Heights, with a move-on direction, which he complied with.
About 2.45pm on Thursday, the man was arrested at Manly Police Station and charged with behave in offensive manner in public place and cause prohibited Nazi symbol to be displayed in public place.
He was given conditional bail to appear before Manly Local Court on Wednesday, May 27.
Mr Minus had been sitting at a nearby café before walking past media crews in the area.
Police were alerted to the shirt, which featured an alleged swastika in the colours of the Israeli flag and surrounding the Star of David – alongside a slogan referencing antisemitism.
Under the swastika, on the t-shirt read: “Anti-Semitism. Proud to be accused. Speak up!”.
When questioned about his presence near the commission, he denied any link to the hearing.
“I have business in town, and I wear this all the time,” he said.
He maintained he was not there to target the commission or those giving evidence.
“Is there a Royal Commission here? I’m sorry, I’m just enjoying a cup of coffee in the streets of Sydney,” he said.
The exchange continued as he was questioned about the connection between his actions and the inquiry.
“I’m sitting in the street, in a public street,” he said.
“What is disrespectful is what’s happening in Gaza and Lebanon and overseas – the killing of innocent people and children.
“What is it about group punishment that Zionists don’t understand or object to?”
Police later confirmed they had issued a move-on direction and would investigate the display of the symbol.
In 2022, New South Wales parliament passed laws making it a criminal offence to knowingly display a Nazi symbol in public without a reasonable excuse.
Following the incident, a spokesperson from the Royal Commission released a statement wanting to assure witnesses of their safety.
“The Royal Commission is appalled that such an item of clothing was worn in the vicinity of our hearing venue,” the statement read.
“Safety of witnesses is paramount to the Royal Commission. We want to reassure witnesses and those wishing to engage with the Royal Commission that safety protocols are in place.
“The Royal Commission is determined to investigate antisemitism in Australia without fear or intimidation.”