The case of a man who allegedly performed a Nazi salute outside the Sydney Jewish Museum has been compared to the actions of ex-premier Dominic Perrottet, who controversially wore a fascist uniform to a party.
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Daniel Muston, 40, Ryan Peter Marshall, 30, and Anthony Raymond Mitchell, 31, were charged after allegedly performing the salute near the museum in Darlinghurst on October 13.
On Tuesday, the three men pleaded not guilty to charges of behaving in an offensive manner in public and knowingly displaying Nazi symbols without excuse.
Muston's lawyer, Bryan Wrench, told Sydney's Downing Centre Local Court that Premier Chris Minns had forgiven his predecessor for wearing a Nazi uniform to a party as a young man but was now pursuing an "authoritative use of power" against his client.
"We think there's a bit of unfairness in this," Mr Wrench said.
The solicitor added the men had no links to Nazi groups or history of sympathising with the fascist ideology and had no related paraphernalia on them at the time of the alleged offending.
"There was no Nazi uniform - unlike the former premier, Dominic Perrottet, or Prince Harry," he said.
The arrest came amid community tension over the escalating conflict in Gaza, including multiple examples of alleged anti-Semitic rhetoric and behaviour.
Mr Minns told reporters at the time of the mens' arrests that the full extent of the law should be applied to the trio.
Outside court, Mr Wrench said his client had been working at a nearby building site and the only uniform he was wearing at the time was a hi-vis vest.
"He's not a Nazi, he's never had a swastika," he said.
"More importantly, he's never worn a uniform, owned a uniform or intends to wear a uniform.
"He's not guilty of the charges. He's not part of a protest."
The case is due to be heard next on January 23, with the three men to remain on bail.
Australian Associated Press
