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Canberra Cafe Closes After Controversial Anti-Fascist Posters Seized

2/19/2026

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Summary

Story summary

In Canberra, ACT Policing seized five posters from Dissent Cafe depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Nazi uniforms amid an investigation into new hate symbol laws, with the venue closing shortly before a scheduled performance.
Cafe owner David Howe described the posters as an anti-fascist statement.
No charges have been filed, while ACT Policing is assessing the posters' legality under recently enacted hate symbol laws.

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Story summary

In Canberra, ACT Policing seized five posters from Dissent Cafe depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin in Nazi uniforms amid an investigation into new hate symbol laws, with the venue closing shortly before a scheduled performance.
Cafe owner David Howe described the posters as an anti-fascist statement.
No charges have been filed, while ACT Policing is assessing the posters' legality under recently enacted hate symbol laws.