Jacob Hersant
Jacob Hersant (born c. 1998 – c. 1999) is an Australian National Socialist and political activist.
Jacob is a member of the European-Australian Movement (EAM), a political organization that serves to advance the political and social interests of the White race. He also acts as the leader of the National Socialist Network in Australia, which operates for the same goals.
Criminal charges relating to the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill 2023
Background On March 18, 2023, National Socialists led by Thomas Sewell conducted a political demonstration on the steps of Victorian state parliament.[1] In the course of the demonstration the political activists performed a Nazi salute on the steps of the state’s parliament. In response to this political gesture, the Australian government passed the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment (Prohibited Hate Symbols and Other Measures) Bill.[2]
The vaguely worded Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill outlawed the display, glorification, trading, and selling of German National Socialist symbols and expressions. Notably, this bill is the first of its kind in Australia to ban political expression.
Incident On Oct. 27 2023, Jacob performed a gesture which had become illegal under the passage of the Counter-Terrorism Legislation Amendment Bill six days prior. Video footage captured the incident and heard Jacob state "nearly did it – it’s illegal now” and “Australia for the white man, heil Hitler”, before he then walked away. Although, Jacob, his attorney and the magistrate have agreed he did not perform the illicit salute. Magistrate Brett Sonnet said Hersant altered the way he raised his arm to avoid being charged but he still intended to perform the salute and therefore found the charges valid.[3]
Conviction Jacob entered a plea of guilty and is currently pending sentencing. He faces the maximum penalty of 12 months’ jail or a fine of more than $23,000.
