Man banned from going near Jewish hate inquiry after allegedly wearing swastika shirt outside hearing
A man who allegedly wore a swastika shirt during an investigation into Jew hatred in Australia has been banned from approaching the inquiry and promoting antisemitism, according to court documents.
Ian Minus, 68, is accused of wearing a swastika on a T-shirt outside the Clarence St building in the Sydney CBD where the Royal Commission on Anti-Semitism and Social Cohesion was meeting.
The shirt reads: “Anti-Semitism. It’s an honor to be accused. Raise your voice!” it said.
Court documents seen by NewsWire show Mr Minus is now banned from coming within 200 meters of the royal commission under his bail conditions.
He was also banned from promoting anti-Semitism in public or on social media.
The 68-year-old was ordered to continue by police officers outside Clarence St on May 6 during the first week of commission hearings.
He was accused of behaving aggressively in a public place/school/near school and causing the banned Nazi symbol to be displayed in public.
According to court documents, Mr. Minus is now charged with knowingly displaying the Nazi symbol in an unexcused public act.
Mr. Minus approached reporters outside the commission and asked them, “Is that a swastika?” When asked, he claimed that he was drinking coffee. and “Is there a royal commission here or is there?”
Inside, just meters away, Australian Jews were sharing their harrowing experiences with antisemitism.
“I’m sorry, I’m enjoying my cup of coffee on the streets of Sydney. Why am I being attacked like this?” he said, then pointed to his shirt and said, “I’m proud of this statement.”
His case will be heard at the next hearing on June 3.
