Summary

Jacob Hersant, a self-described Nazi, was sentenced to one month in prison, becoming the first person in Australia jailed for performing an outlawed Nazi salute.

Convicted in Victoria for making the salute outside a courthouse in October, Hersant’s act followed new legislation banning the gesture.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet justified the sentence, citing Hersant’s intent to promote Nazi ideology publicly.

Hersant’s lawyer argued that his actions were nonviolent and claimed they were protected as political expression, stating plans to appeal the ruling on constitutional grounds.

  • Mango@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    0
    ·
    6 days ago

    I don’t care that he’s a Nazi. I care that what I consider to be his inviolable rights have been violated. His political shit should be as free to express as any other. Imagine it Trump goes and makes it illegal to indicate yourself as a Democrat. Wouldn’t be surprised if he did that after seeing your attitude, because I’m sure you’re more reasonable than him and doing it anyhow.

    • Rice_Daddy@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      0
      ·
      6 days ago

      Tolerance of intolerance is not a path to freedom. Choosing to do nothing will only mean that rights and freedoms will be destroyed. Call this the lesser of two evils if you must.

      If you let intolerance fester, it will grow and take control, then it will start hurting and squeezing others. It’d be foolish to sacrifice freedom in the name of freedom.

      • Mango@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        English
        arrow-up
        0
        ·
        6 days ago

        So why do you think I should tolerate this? Why is your intolerance excused?

        • Valmond@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          0
          ·
          edit-2
          6 days ago

          Tolerate what exactly? Not following the law? Tolerate the law that is in favour of freedom and democracy?

          Edit: you font discuss in good faith so just forget it.