Jacob Hersant, a 25-year-old man, has been found guilty of performing a Nazi salute in Victoria, Australia, shortly after the state enacted a ban on such gestures.

The incident occurred just six days after the Victorian government made the Nazi salute illegal, highlighting the urgency of the new legislation.

Hersant was filmed giving the salute and making inflammatory statements, including 'Australia for the white man, heil Hitler,' outside the Victoria County Court after an unrelated appearance.

A Melbourne magistrate dismissed Hersant's defense, which claimed the gesture was not a salute and argued that the law infringed on his freedom of political expression.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet concluded that Hersant intentionally made a gesture that could be perceived as a Nazi salute, despite his attempts to alter its appearance.

The court deemed the charge legally valid, emphasizing its purpose to protect minorities from harm associated with Nazi ideology.

Dvir Abramovich, chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, expressed relief at the verdict, calling it a significant victory against antisemitism in Australia.

Victoria's Premier Jacinta Allan stated that the court's decision underscores the state's commitment to combatting hate speech.

Hersant faces a potential sentence of 12 months in prison and a fine, with sentencing scheduled for the following day.

Hersant has indicated he may appeal the conviction, asserting that he does not fully acknowledge his actions as a Nazi salute.

This case sets a significant precedent as Hersant is the first person charged under the new ban on Nazi salutes in Victoria.

The ruling by Magistrate Sonnet, which consists of 184 pages, will be published later this week, providing further details on the court's reasoning.