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Story summary
- On February 18, 2023, police in the Australian Capital Territory declared a crime scene at the Dissent Cafe and Bar due to a complaint about potential hate crime imagery.
- Initially, police cited violations of legislation against "prohibited symbols," but later determined the posters did not fully breach the law.
- Police announced that no criminal proceedings would occur, and the posters will be returned to the owner.
- The hate crime legislation, enacted after a December 2025 anti-Semitic mass shooting, allows exceptions for symbols used for legitimate purposes, including artistic expression.
