Man Denied Bail on Inciting Hatred Charge, Linked to Neo-Nazi Group
Brandan Koschel, a 31-year-old man, has been denied bail after being charged with publicly inciting hatred on racial grounds. The charge follows comments allegedly made at an anti-immigration rally in Sydney. Police alleged in court that Mr. Koschel has links to the recently disbanded neo-Nazi group, the National Socialist Network (NSN).
Arrest and Charges
Mr. Koschel was arrested following an open mic session at the March for Australia anti-immigration rally, held at Moore Park in Sydney. He faces a charge of publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race causing fear. The alleged comments were reportedly disseminated on platforms including YouTube and X.
Court Proceedings and Bail Decision
Mr. Koschel appeared via audio-visual link from Surry Hills Police Centre. Police opposed his release on bail, citing concerns about the risk of him committing further offenses and endangering community safety.
The prosecution described the alleged speech as an "incitement of hatred towards the Jewish community."
Magistrate Daniel Covington subsequently denied bail. Mr. Koschel's lawyer argued against the police's opposition, stating that his client had no current affiliation with active groups and no prior history of hate crimes. The case is scheduled to return to court in one week.
Allegations Regarding Affiliations
During court proceedings, police alleged Mr. Koschel was a member of the National Socialist Network (NSN), a neo-Nazi group that reportedly disbanded on January 18. This disbandment occurred days before new legislation outlawing hate groups passed federal parliament.
Police stated that preliminary investigations indicated Mr. Koschel's association with known NSN members. Evidence presented in court included:
- Mr. Koschel was observed wearing a black shirt featuring a white Celtic cross at the rally, a symbol linked to neo-Nazism.
- Comments allegedly made during his speech included "free Joel Davis" and "heil white Australia." He also allegedly referenced former NSN leader Thomas Sewell. Joel Davis is identified as a neo-Nazi figure who has been denied bail multiple times on separate charges.
- Open-source information also reportedly suggested his NSN membership.
Further Details from Investigations
Additional allegations presented by police in court included:
- Instagram posts by Mr. Koschel in early January allegedly showed him alongside individuals described as "prominent Neo-Nazis." These posts reportedly referenced "blood and honour" and included a German phrase translating to "White power."
- Identification in these photos was reportedly made through a distinctive leg tattoo matching images on his public Facebook profile. Other individuals in the images, including former NSW NSN leader Jack Eltis, were reportedly identifiable.
- Further social media posts by Mr. Koschel allegedly showed him wearing an Iron Cross necklace, another symbol associated with neo-Nazism, and an "ACAB" tattoo on his forearm, an acronym recognized within skinhead subculture.