Australia to deport British man charged with displaying Nazi symbols

A British citizen residing in Queensland, Australia, has had his visa revoked and now faces possible deportation following allegations of displaying Nazi imagery. The 43-year-old man was apprehended and charged earlier this month after reportedly sharing posts on social media containing the swastika, promoting Nazi beliefs, and inciting violence against the Jewish community.

The individual is currently held in immigration detention in Brisbane and is scheduled to appear in court in January. This case comes as Australian authorities intensify their efforts to clamp down on hate symbols, in response to a recent surge in antisemitic acts and far-right extremist activity. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke emphasized the country’s stance, stating, “He came here to hate – he doesn’t get to stay.”

Minister Burke further explained to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), “If you come to Australia on a visa, you are here as a guest.” Last month, he revoked the visa of a South African national, Matthew Gruter, who was expelled after attending a neo-Nazi demonstration outside the New South Wales parliament. Similar to Gruter, the British man has the right to appeal the cancellation of his visa. Until any appeal is resolved, he can either depart voluntarily or face deportation. Authorities are reportedly considering postponing his deportation to ensure he appears in court next month. The UK Foreign Office has been contacted for comment regarding the matter.

Earlier investigations began in October after police noticed the man’s posts on the social media platform X, which led to the suspension of his account. He subsequently opened a new account with a similar identity to continue distributing offensive content. In late November, law enforcement conducted a search of his home in Caboolture, near Brisbane, where they confiscated several items including phones, knives, axes, and swords adorned with swastika symbols. The man faces charges of displaying prohibited Nazi insignia on three counts and one count of using the internet to cause offence. Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt of the Australian Federal Police affirmed the authorities’ commitment to preventing the use of such symbols to divide society: “If we identify instances where this is happening, we will act swiftly to disrupt the behaviour, prosecute those involved and protect the dignity, safety and cohesion of our diverse community.

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