A teenager accused of saluting as neo-Nazis marched through Ballarat earlier this month has been officially warned by police.
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Officers in Ballarat interviewed the 15-year-old boy, who has had no previous dealings with police, after the unplanned demonstration through town on Sunday, December 3.
The officers issued him an official warning after determining his actions were not racially motivated.
"The decision was made to use the opportunity to educate the youth on the recent change in legislation regarding the Nazi salute, along with the potential harm that may be caused within the community," Victoria Police said in a statement.
"Education plays an important part in dealing with children who have committed first-time offences in an attempt to divert them away from the criminal justice system."
No arrests were made after a group of 20 to 30 balaclava-clad men marched through Ballarat.
Jewish leaders slammed the march, which happened on the 169th anniversary of the Eureka Stockade.
Victoria outlawed Nazi gestures and symbols in public from October, with fines of more than $23,000 or 12 months in prison.
The change was triggered by the same group of men performing the salute outside Victorian parliament in March.
- Australian Associated Press
