Matthew Gruter, a South African man who participated in a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales parliament, has had his Australian visa revoked. Gruter, who moved to Australia with his wife in 2022, was seen prominently in a protest organized by the National Socialist Network, an infamous neo-Nazi group in Australia, where attendees displayed a banner demanding the abolition of the 'Jewish lobby.'
The rally took place on November 8 and included a crowd of around 60 men dressed in black who chanted slogans linked to right-wing extremism, raising concerns over the increasing influence of such ideologies in Australia. Following the event, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed the cancellation of Gruter's visa, asserting, If you are on a visa, you are a guest. If you're a citizen, you're a full member of the Australian family. Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it's time to go home.
The rise of right-wing extremism has prompted the Australian government to take a firm stance against hate speech and actions, recently making the Nazi salute punishable by prison time. Gruter, identified as a senior member of the National Socialist Network, has attracted significant media attention, as the organized protest was legally sanctioned and lasted less than 20 minutes. His case highlights ongoing societal challenges regarding hate and extremism in the country.
The rally took place on November 8 and included a crowd of around 60 men dressed in black who chanted slogans linked to right-wing extremism, raising concerns over the increasing influence of such ideologies in Australia. Following the event, Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed the cancellation of Gruter's visa, asserting, If you are on a visa, you are a guest. If you're a citizen, you're a full member of the Australian family. Like with any household, if a guest turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it's time to go home.
The rise of right-wing extremism has prompted the Australian government to take a firm stance against hate speech and actions, recently making the Nazi salute punishable by prison time. Gruter, identified as a senior member of the National Socialist Network, has attracted significant media attention, as the organized protest was legally sanctioned and lasted less than 20 minutes. His case highlights ongoing societal challenges regarding hate and extremism in the country.
