Hate symbols and terror offences in Australia now subject to mandatory prison terms
		
	 
			HATE symbols and terror offences in Australia will now be subject to mandatory prison terms, MPs agreed on Thursday.
The new laws, which could bring prison terms ranging from one to six years, follow a wave of high profile anti-semitic attacks across the country.
Under the new laws, displaying hate symbols or performing a Nazi salute is now punishable by at least one year in prison. Other penalties include a minimum of three years for financing terrorism and six years for committing or planning terrorist acts.
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               In a legal system that is increasingly removing judicial discretion, the fundamental question remains whether justice requires a compassionate heart or a dispassionate application of Parliament’s will, writes ANSELM ELDERGILL
   
 
               


 
                
               