A man enjoying a Christmas Eve stroll on a popular Newcastle beach was reported to authorities after a member of the public spotted tattoos on his body that allegedly displayed symbols associated with neo-Nazi ideology.
Beachgoer Alleges Encounter with Hate Symbols
Local resident Ben Parsons said he was with his family at Bar Beach in Newcastle on 24 December when he noticed the man. In a social media post later seen by news outlets, Mr Parsons claimed the man's tattoo designs included imagery linked to the Nazi SS, or Schutzstaffel. This was the paramilitary organisation responsible for horrific atrocities during the Holocaust.
Mr Parsons alleged the symbols were a reference to 'white power' and were being 'flaunted' publicly. He pointed out that this occurred in the days following the deadly Bondi Beach terror attack on 14 December, where two gunmen allegedly killed 16 people at a Hanukkah event.
Community Stands Firm Against Extremism
In his post, Ben Parsons expressed a firm stance against intimidation. He stated he was not worried about putting his name to the media reports, adding: 'My view is that the time for being worried about Nazis ended on April 30th, 1945. We need solidarity and unity, and Nazis should be worried about us, not the other way around.'
New South Wales Police confirmed they have launched an investigation following the reports, which included the one made by Mr Parsons. Officers received the call about the man in Newcastle on Wednesday, 24 December.
Police Stress Importance of Reporting Hate Crimes
In a statement provided to the Daily Mail, NSW Police emphasised their serious approach to such incidents. 'It is important that the community and police continue to work together to make NSW a safer place for everyone,' the statement read.
The force reiterated its commitment to tackling hate-based offences, urging: 'The NSW Police Force takes hate crimes seriously and encourages anyone who is the victim of a hate crime or witnesses a hate crime to report the matter to police.' They directed the public to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or call Triple Zero (000) in an emergency.
