Jacob Hersant, a 25-year-old self-described neo-Nazi, has become the first person in Victoria, Australia, to be found guilty of performing the Nazi salute in public under newly enacted legislation.

This law, which made the Nazi salute illegal in Victoria, was passed just six days before Hersant's gesture, following a national law that outlawed public performances of the salute and trading in Nazi hate symbols.

Hersant was filmed raising his arm and chanting 'heil Hitler' outside the Victoria County Court shortly after being sentenced for an unrelated violent disorder charge.

Gurvich insisted on a prison sentence, arguing that Hersant's actions vilified minority groups and undermined human dignity.

Prosecutors described the timing of Hersant's gesture as intentionally calculated to gain maximum attention, further complicating his defense.

Magistrate Brett Sonnet clarified that the punishment would be for the illegal gesture itself, not for Hersant's political beliefs, which he is entitled to hold.

Prosecutor Daniel Gurvich emphasized Hersant's defiance, noting his comments to the media about continuing to give the salute, which demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law.

The maximum penalty for performing the Nazi salute is 12 months in prison and/or a fine of $24,000, with Hersant facing a potential sentence of up to 12 months.

Magistrate Sonnet indicated that Hersant would likely receive a prison sentence but needed additional time to determine its length, remanding him in custody.

Hersant is scheduled to return to court for sentencing later this month, where he has expressed intentions to appeal the verdict.

Despite being found guilty, Hersant expressed no remorse and vowed to continue performing the salute, viewing his case as a test of the new law.

Since Hersant's conviction, other individuals, including fellow neo-Nazi Nathan Bull, have been charged with similar offenses under the new law.