Melbourne Man Charged Over Alleged Hezbollah Flag Display at Protest

The 36-year-old faces charges under federal laws prohibiting public display of terrorist organisation symbols after a September rally.

A 36-year-old man from Ferntree Gully has been charged with displaying the Hezbollah flag during a protest in Melbourne on September 29, part of a National Day of Action for Gaza.
Hezbollah, designated as a terrorist organisation by Australia, is banned under federal laws introduced in January 2024 that prohibit public displays of terrorist group symbols.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has dedicated over 1,100 investigation hours, including reviewing CCTV and police body-worn camera footage, as part of Operation Ardvarna.
The man, charged on December 13, is set to appear in Melbourne Magistrates Court on March 6, with the offence carrying a maximum penalty of 12 months in prison.
Thirteen other individuals remain under investigation for similar offences, with further charges expected as authorities continue their crackdown on prohibited symbols.