Police drop case against artist who depicted high-profile Australians in uniforms with Nazi symbols
Police have dropped the case against artist Michael Agzarian, who was charged for displaying a poster depicting high-profile Australians in Nazi uniforms. The court found that the images were considered political satire, despite complaints from local politicians. Agzarian was awarded over $12,000 in costs after the charges were withdrawn almost a year later.
- ▪Michael Agzarian was charged with displaying Nazi symbols despite legal advice stating the images were political satire.
- ▪The artwork depicted prominent Australians in military uniforms and was displayed on Agzarian's shopfront window.
- ▪The court criticized police for taking seven months to withdraw the charge after a hearing date was set.
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Michael Agzarian was awarded more than $12,000 in costs after police dropped their case against him in Downing Centre local court. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The GuardianView image in fullscreenMichael Agzarian was awarded more than $12,000 in costs after police dropped their case against him in Downing Centre local court. Photograph: Mike Bowers/The GuardianNew South WalesPolice drop case against artist who depicted high-profile Australians in uniforms with Nazi symbolsMichael Agzarian was charged despite internal legal advice that the images were ‘political satire’, court hears Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast Jordyn BeazleyFri 22 May 2026 19.57 EDTLast modified on Fri 22 May 2026 19.58 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GooglePolice charged an artist who depicted…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at World news | The Guardian.