A 43-year-old British national residing in Queensland, Australia, has had his visa canceled and is facing deportation. He was arrested and charged earlier this month.
Allegations and Legal Proceedings
Authorities allege that the individual used a social media account to post the Nazi swastika, promote pro-Nazi ideology, and call for violence targeting the Jewish community. The man was subsequently placed into immigration detention in Brisbane this week, with a court appearance scheduled for January.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that individuals on Australian visas are considered guests and that the government acts on those who violate these conditions. This action occurs amidst increased enforcement by Australian authorities regarding the display of prohibited symbols, a measure observed concurrently with a reported rise in antisemitism and right-wing extremism.
Precedent and Legislative Context
Minister Burke previously revoked the visa of Matthew Gruter, a South African national, last month. Gruter, who had resided in Australia since 2022, had attended a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales parliament.
The British national retains the right to appeal the visa revocation. Options available to him include departing Australia voluntarily or awaiting deportation to his home country. Police are reportedly evaluating whether to postpone his deportation to allow for his scheduled court appearance next month.
Earlier this year, Australia enacted stricter hate crime legislation. These laws include mandatory jail terms for displaying certain symbols or performing a Nazi salute.
Investigation Details
Police initiated an investigation into the British national in October, following alleged posts on the social media platform X. After X blocked his initial account, he reportedly created a new account under a similar name and continued to post content deemed offensive and harmful by police. Authorities also seized various items, including axes and knives, from the British man's residence during the investigation.