A controversial far-right activist has claimed that a high-ranking neo-Nazi is being detained in a harsh 'punishment block' within a Sydney prison, following allegations he threatened a federal independent MP.
Allegations of Harsh Prison Conditions
Australian far-right figure Blair Cottrell used social media to provide an update on the situation of Joel Davis, a member of the National Socialist Network (NSN). Davis has been in custody since his arrest on November 20.
In a video statement, Cottrell alleged that the 30-year-old is being held in a punishment ward at Long Bay prison. He claimed Davis is confined to a cell without a shower or television and is sometimes denied access to bathing facilities, with prison staff deciding when he can shower.
Cottrell further stated that Davis has been classified as a national security threat by authorities, a designation which he says has led to the removal of basic rights. According to these claims, Davis does not have access to a Bible and cannot see a priest or chaplain.
The Charges and Personal Fallout
Davis was arrested at the Bennett Street Dairy Cafe in Bondi, where staff reportedly knew him as a polite regular. He faces charges of using a carriage service to harass a federal parliamentarian.
The court heard that Davis had allegedly urged members of a Telegram group chat to 'rhetorically rape' independent Wentworth MP Allegra Spender. Davis had recently moved from Melbourne to Sydney to live with his partner, Ivona Tomaskovicova, who was nine months pregnant at the time of his arrest.
Davis subsequently missed the birth of his first child while in custody. During bail proceedings, his Legal Aid lawyer, Liam McKibbin, argued Davis would comply with strict conditions, including staying away from Ms Spender's office and limiting device access.
Broader Far-Right Context and Deportations
The case unfolds against a backdrop of heightened activity and scrutiny of far-right groups in Australia. Questions have been raised about how Davis's partner affords Bondi's high rents, given his admitted financial struggles before arrest.
Many associated with the far-right have reportedly been 'de-banked', with supporters allegedly asked to send cash donations via post. This agitation has coincided with threats against journalists reporting on these groups.
Davis was arrested shortly after revealing the identity of an influencer married to fellow NSN member Matthew Gruter. Gruter was later detained by immigration authorities and, after having his visa cancelled, voluntarily left Australia with his wife and newborn child in December.
Blair Cottrell, who provided the update on Davis, is a prominent figure in Australia's modern neo-Nazi movement, having been a founding member of the United Patriots Front.
