Man Charged for Displaying Hezbollah Flag in Melbourne

A 36-year-old man has been charged by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag during a pro-Palestine protest in Melbourne on September 29, shortly after the assassination of the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah by an Israeli airstrike. The protest was part of a national day of action for Gaza, which saw thousands participating in Melbourne and other cities. The AFP has initiated at least six investigations related to this protest, focusing on individuals displaying prohibited symbols associated with Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organization by several countries including Australia. The charged man faces a maximum penalty of 12 months imprisonment and is set to appear in court in March 2025, while thirteen others are under investigation. The AFP has committed over 1100 hours to this case, including reviewing extensive CCTV footage, as they emphasize their zero-tolerance policy for actions that incite violence or hatred. Counter Terrorism Commander Nick Read reiterated the AFP's dedication to ensuring justice for those violating the law regarding terrorist symbols.