Neo-Nazi Figure to Remain in Custody Over Alleged Online Incitement
A prominent neo-Nazi figure, accused of instructing his followers to 'rhetorically rape' an independent federal politician, will remain behind bars after being denied bail in a Sydney court. The case forms part of a wider crackdown by the Australian Federal Police (AFP) on threats and harassment directed at elected officials.
Court Hearing Reveals Disturbing Allegations
Joel Davis, 30, a mouthpiece for the National Socialist Network, appeared before Magistrate Daniel Covington via an online hearing on Friday. The court heard that Davis allegedly used an encrypted online platform, Telegram, to encourage abuse and hate towards Wentworth MP Allegra Spender. The charges stem from an incident in November, after Ms Spender condemned the group for holding a rally outside the NSW parliament calling to 'abolish the Jewish lobby'.
Davis is specifically accused of calling on his supporters to 'rhetorically rape' the parliamentarian in response to her criticism. Representing Davis, defence lawyer Liam McKibbin highlighted that his client's pregnant partner was due to imminently give birth to their son, with a home birth planned at their Bondi residence. Mr McKibbin argued the alleged conduct, while 'disturbing', did not include a 'specific physical threat of violence'.
Prosecution and Magistrate Cite Unacceptable Risk
Prosecutor Kristen Wakefield strongly opposed bail, pointing to Davis' criminal history in South Australia and noting he was already on bail for another matter at the time of the alleged offending. She told the court he posed an unacceptable risk of failing to appear, endangering community safety, and potentially re-offending.
Ms Wakefield emphasised the challenges for federal police, stating that due to Telegram's vast audience, conducting compliance checks to ensure Davis was not continuing to offend would be 'very difficult'. Magistrate Covington ultimately refused the bail application, agreeing there was an unacceptable risk of Davis committing a serious offence and endangering the safety of the community.
AFP Intensifies Action Against Political Threats
This case is not isolated. The Australian Federal Police revealed that Davis is one of three people arrested in the past week for allegedly harassing or threatening parliamentarians. The others include a 29-year-old Tamworth man issued a court attendance notice for online threats, and a 32-year-old Victorian man accused of using a carriage service to harass a politician.
AFP acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale provided concerning context, revealing that 951 referrals had been made in the 2024/2025 financial year concerning threats to federal politicians. He stated, 'The AFP is very concerned, and our national security investigations teams, alongside our specialist protective command, are working hand in glove with our federal parliamentarians to make sure that we provide them with the assurances and the safety that are required.'
Joel Davis is scheduled to next appear before the court online on December 3.
