In brief
Matthew Gruter, a South African resident of Australia since 2022, had his visa revoked following his participation in a neo-Nazi rally in New South Wales. The rally, organized by the National Socialist Network, saw Gruter among a group of men displaying anti-Jewish slogans. Australia's government has heightened its focus on hate speech and right-wing extremism, with recent measures including making Nazi salutes punishable by law.
A South African man who was seen attending a neo-Nazi rally outside an Australian state parliament has had his visa revoked.
Matthew Gruter, who has been in Australia since 2022, participated in an anti-Jewish protest outside the New South Wales parliament organized by the National Socialist Network earlier this month.
He was spotted in the front row of around 60 men clad in black, holding a banner that read Abolish the Jewish lobby, according to reports from Australian media.
Australia has witnessed a recent rise in right-wing extremism, prompting the government to make Nazi salutes a criminal offense with mandatory prison sentences introduced earlier this year.
Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the cancellation of Mr. Gruter's visa, emphasizing, 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.
Mr. Gruter, who moved to Australia with his wife, works as a civil engineer. Reports indicate he is a senior member of the National Socialist Network in New South Wales.
The protest he attended included chants of blood and honour, a slogan historically associated with the Hitler Youth, according to ABC News. The rally lasted less than 20 minutes and had received legal authorization.
