A 36-year-old Ferntree Gully man has been charged by Australian Federal Police (AFP) for allegedly displaying a Hizballah (Hezbollah) flag during protests in Melbourne’s CBD on 29 September 2024.
The man is set to appear in Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on 6 March 2025. The charge, under section 80.2HA of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth), relates to the public display of a prohibited terrorist organisation symbol and carries a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison.
Hizballah was designated a terrorist organisation by the Commonwealth in December 2021. The Australian Government previously listed Hizballah’s External Security Organisation as a proscribed terrorist organisation under the Criminal Code in June 2003.
Legislation introduced in January 2024 prohibits the display of symbols linked to terrorist organisations, including the Hizballah flag.
The charge follows an extensive investigation by AFP-led Operation Advarna, launched after protesters in September were reported to have displayed prohibited symbols. The operation, which involves over 1100 hours of investigative work, reviewed CCTV and police body camera footage, leading to multiple searches and seizures.
AFP Counter Terrorism Commander Nick Read emphasised the importance of combating activities that incite violence or hatred. “The AFP has been relentlessly pursuing evidence to ensure offenders are brought to justice,” he said.
Currently, 13 individuals remain under investigation, with further charges expected as the AFP continues its crackdown on the illegal display of terrorist organisation symbols.
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