Jacob Hersant is charged with performing a Nazi salute in Melbourne

A Melbourne man has been charged under a new Victorian law banning Nazi salutes and symbols.

Jacob Hersant, 24, from Point Cook is accused of performing the outlawed gesture on the steps of the Melbourne County Court on October 27.

‘Heil Hitler … nearly did it [referring to the salute] it’s illegal now isn’t it,’ he said outside court.

Jacob Hersant, 24, has been charged under a new Victorian law banning Nazi salutes and symbols

He was charged on Friday, about a week since he was first interviewed by police.

It’s the first time anyone has been charged under the law stopping the public display or performance of the Nazi symbol or gestures, which came into force on October 21.

Mr Hersant will face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on December 8.