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A 34-year-old man was swiftly arrested by police after taking the stage at the conclusion of a march, where he voiced neo-Nazi sentiments.
Magistrate Sharon Freund criticized the man’s 40-second speech, highlighting its use of anti-Semitic rhetoric. In his address, he twice labeled Jewish people as the “greatest enemy,” which Freund described as an attack on a vulnerable community.
The magistrate noted that the man’s offensive language was accompanied by neo-Nazi symbols, further underscoring the severity of his actions.
During his speech, he also demanded the release of imprisoned neo-Nazi leader Joel Davis.
“His intent was to incite hatred among the audience he was speaking to,” Freund remarked.
“He intended to incite hatred against the Jewish community and Jews in general.”
That mass shooting took place six weeks before Koschel took the stage, the magistrate noted.
The denunciation of these types of anti-Semitic remarks made in a public forum on such an iconic national holiday was essential, the magistrate added.
“A clear sentencing response is required to convey that the invocation or normalisation of hatred directed at the Jewish people … will not be tolerated,” she said.
Koschel had also shown no remorse, contrition or insight into his offending.
His non-parole period of nine months will expire on October 25.
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