A South African national, Matthew Gruter, has had his visa revoked following his participation in a neo-Nazi rally outside the New South Wales parliament in Australia. Gruter, who has lived in Australia since 2022, was part of a protest organized by the National Socialist Network earlier this month, which included around 60 men wearing black and holding banners with anti-Jewish messages.
Gruter is reportedly a senior member of the National Socialist Network, a recognized neo-Nazi group in Australia. During the rally, participants chanted slogans associated with extremist ideologies, including “blood and honour,” a phrase linked to the Hitler Youth. The event lasted less than 20 minutes and was legally authorized.
Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed the cancellation of Gruter’s visa, emphasizing that visa holders are considered guests in the country. He stated, “If you are on a visa, you are a guest… If a guest turns up to show hatred, they can be told it’s time to go home.”
Gruter, who works as a civil engineer and moved to Australia with his wife, is part of a broader concern regarding a rise in right-wing extremism in Australia, a trend that has led the government to enact laws making the Nazi salute punishable by mandatory prison time. The actions and affiliations of individuals like Gruter have raised questions about immigration policies and the measures taken in response to extremism in the country.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj417gqq5n1o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss