A South African-born engineer with neo-Nazi affiliations is facing deportation from Australia after being seized by border officials in a pre-dawn raid, following his participation in an anti-Jewish demonstration.
Dawn Raid and Detention
Matthew Gruter was one of 60 demonstrators linked to the National Socialist Network who protested outside the New South Wales parliament on November 9. The group shouted Nazi slogans and displayed a large banner that read 'Abolish the Jewish Lobby'.
In response, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed on Monday that he had cancelled Gruter's visa. Then, at approximately 4am on Tuesday, Australian Border Force officials conducted a raid on Gruter's home. He was separated from his family, which includes his wife and their four-week-old newborn, and taken to a detention facility.
An online fundraising page set up by his supporters stated that his family now has 30 days to leave the country, while Gruter will be held pending his deportation. He is reportedly being held at the Villawood Detention Centre in Sydney's west.
Government and Public Reaction
Minister Burke defended the government's actions during a press conference in Perth. 'If you are on a visa, you are a guest,' he stated. '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.'
He expressed confidence in the legal position and emphasised that the hatred displayed at the protest 'has nothing to do with Australia.'
The protest drew intense criticism from NSW Premier Chris Minns, who labelled those involved as 'pissants'. In the wake of the rally, Premier Minns confirmed that the government would aim to establish new laws to crack down on hate speech.
Meanwhile, the online fundraiser for Gruter has raised more than $16,000. Disturbingly, some donor comments have reiterated Nazi rhetoric, including abbreviations for 'Hail Hitler' and phrases like 'stay strong white man'.
Broader Context and Group Ambitions
This is not the first time the National Socialist Network has caused controversy. The group rallied outside NSW parliament in June, displaying a banner that read 'End Immigration'.
Members have staged numerous protests in capital cities and towns over the past couple of years, including at anti-immigration rallies in Sydney and Melbourne in September.
The fringe group is reportedly ramping up efforts to form a political party, which would require 750 members to formally register. However, Premier Minns has questioned whether individuals would be willing to publicly associate their names with neo-Nazism.
A police communication error was also acknowledged, which resulted in some senior officers, including Commissioner Mal Lanyon, not being aware that the November 9th protest was taking place.
