A man with a history of alcohol-related problems has faced harsh criticism after displaying Nazi symbols and offensive slogans near a memorial dedicated to Australian soldiers. Jack Rodger Marvelly, a New Zealand national, was cited for this act of disrespect in Sydney on February 24, where he sat with a makeshift banner reading “Save Australia.”
Marvelly, seemingly intoxicated, had scrawled swastikas on his chest and hands, alongside white supremacist phrases on his body. Upon his arrest, he asserted to police that he aimed to raise awareness about what he termed “white man genocide globally.”
During court proceedings, his lawyer insisted that Marvelly did not harbour malicious beliefs associated with Nazism and that he was, in fact, a troubled individual grappling with alcohol addiction and unemployment. His attorney, Jennifer Mouhaweg, expressed that Marvelly felt profoundly lost and that his acts were a desperate reflection of his low state.
Magistrate Kate Thompson asserted that Marvelly’s actions were offensive not only to those who fought against the Nazis in World War II but also to the families of the fallen. She underscored the necessity of condemning such hate crimes to prevent similar behaviours in the future.
While acknowledging that preparing for the act demonstrated some degree of planning, Thompson noted that Marvelly expressed real regret for his actions outside the Centenary of Anzac Reserve. Despite his attempts to avoid a conviction, he was sentenced to a nine-month community corrections order, which mandates compliance with drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment programs.
Marvelly left the courtroom silently, his head bowed, not responding to questions. For those needing support, Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue is available at 1300 22 4636.