'Seems pretty Orwellian': Aussie bar investigated under new hate laws over 'satirical' posters

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. 

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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.

ACT Policing said they received a complaint about possible hate imagery earlier this week and are now investigating whether the posters fall under the federal government's new hate laws rushed through parliament after the December 14 attack at Bondi.

"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."

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UK-based protest art group Grow Up Art is the creator of the posters and said its artwork is "satirical".

"I completely support Dissent cafe and bars freedom of speech to call out fascists," it said in a statement.

"The police are completely wasting everyone's time by having sense of humour failure (no surprises there) but thanks to them for the free promo because everyone has started sharing my protest artwork around Canberra now."

Labor Murrumbidgee MP Marisa Paterson said she has been in contact with ACT Policing to seek clarification around the circumstances that took place.

"I will continue to seek advice from ACT Policing on the application of this Commonwealth Legislation," she said in a statement.

Independent Kurrajong MP Thomas Emerson has also written to the police minister to seek an explanation, saying territory and federal law make clear that publicly displaying a swastika is not an offence if it's for artistic purposes.

"This seems pretty Orwellian to me," he said. 

"Art intends to provoke and challenge us.

"In attempting to foster social harmony by preventing offence, we can't afford to create more division. Government suppression of artistic expression and dissenting voices is incredibly divisive."

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