UPDATE: A South African man involved in a neo-Nazi protest outside NSW Parliament House is being deported from Australia. Immigration Minister Tony Burke announced the cancellation of Matthew Gruter’s visa following a demonstration that sparked outrage across the nation.
The incident occurred on November 9, 2023, when Gruter, along with over 60 members of the Nationalist Socialist Network (NSN), protested outside Parliament. They displayed a sign reading “Abolish the Jewish lobby” and chanted slogans reminiscent of Hitler Youth, promoting anti-Semitic rhetoric.
Minister Burke emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “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 shows hatred and wrecks the household, they can be told it’s time to go home.” Gruter, a civil engineer living in Australia for about three years with his influencer wife, will be sent back to his native South Africa.
The protest raised significant concerns when it was disclosed that NSW Police had allowed the event without informing Commissioner Mal Lanyon or the government. In response, Premier Chris Minns condemned the actions of the demonstrators, labeling their display a “shocking display of hatred.” He stated, “No one who lives in Sydney should have to put up with that kind of hate speech on the steps of the People’s House.”
This incident has ignited a broader discussion about hate speech and public safety. Alex Ryvchin, co-CEO of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, urged law enforcement to possess the necessary tools to monitor and disrupt violent extremists. He remarked, “To defeat this, our law enforcement and security agencies need the right legislative tools to monitor and disrupt violent extremists.”
The protest has also brought to light the recent laws prohibiting public incitement of hatred, which went into effect on August 15, 2023. The rally, characterized by offensive messaging and conspiracies, has led to calls for stronger measures to prevent such demonstrations.
As the situation unfolds, the public is encouraged to remain vigilant against hate speech and extremist ideologies. The deportation of Gruter is a critical step in addressing the growing concerns about public safety and community harmony in Australia.
NEXT STEPS: Watch for further updates on legislative changes aimed at combating hate speech and the responses from various community leaders as Australia grapples with the implications of this incident.
