Case Explained: Dissent cafe and bar Canberra investigated under new hate laws over 'parody' posters  - Legal Perspective

Case Explained:This article breaks down the legal background, charges, and implications of Case Explained: Dissent cafe and bar Canberra investigated under new hate laws over ‘parody’ posters – Legal Perspective

A Canberra bar is being investigated under the federal government’s new hate laws over a series of posters, which the owner says are satirical.
Dissent Cafe and Bar have posters depicting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk in Nazi-like uniforms on their doors with signs reading “sanction Israel” and “stop genocide”.
Last night, just as a live band was about to play, police stormed the venue and asked for the posters to be removed. 
Dissent cafe and bar are being investigated by police. (Facebook)
ACT Policing said owner David Howe refused to take down the posters, a claim Howe denies.

“They seem to be more interested in making it a kind of a police statement or something about enforcing the law,” he claimed. 

Officers declared a crime scene, temporarily shutting down the bar and seizing all five posters. The gig was cancelled, and patrons were kicked out for several hours.

Howe said he was shocked as the posters were satirical and “obviously parody art with a distinct anti fascist message”.

“I struggled to understand how anyone could assume anything else,” he said.

”I was shocked and surprised. I don’t think their response or their actions were warranted.”

Howe said the posters have been up for a month and have received a positive response.

Dissent bar owner David Howe.
Dissent bar owner David Howe. (Facebook)

“Enquiries in relation to the posters are continuing, including seeking legal advice on their legality,” ACT Policing said in a statement.

“ACT Policing remains committed to ensuring that alleged antisemitic, racist and hate incidents are addressed promptly and thoroughly and when possible criminality is identified, ACT Policing will not hesitate to take appropriate action.”

UK-based protest art group Grow Up Art are the creators of the posters.

NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.