The owner of a shop in Sydney’s south which displayed a Nazi face mask says he had no idea what he was selling.
On Wednesday a photo circulated on social media of a mannequin wearing a black mask with white Nazi symbols and patterns at a shop in Miranda Westfield.
The man, who spoke limited English and who the Herald has chosen not to name, said he did not know what was on the mask until a representative from Westfield centre management came and spoke with him.
He immediately removed the mask from display.
The mask featured several Reichsadlers, or imperial eagles, containing swastikas which the Nazi party used during World War II.
The shop owner said he purchased boxes of miscellaneous masks in bulk from a wholesaler in Villawood in western Sydney.
The owner’s wife, who spoke fluent English, was horrified when she was informed what was on the mask and its historical significance.
“Now you’ve explained it to me, it is offensive,” she said.
“It was a misunderstanding. It was bought just like every other thing from a supplier.
“If anyone who knew this they wouldn’t have sold it. It’s a coincidence it was sitting in our shop.
Read the article in The Sydney Morning Herald.