Sydney, Australia – Australian Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration, Tony Burke, announced on Wednesday the cancellation of a British citizen’s visa and his deportation from the country. This followed accusations that he displayed banned Nazi symbols and incited hatred on social media platforms. The move is part of a broader government campaign against antisemitism.
Details of the violation and arrest
The Australian Federal Police explained that the 43-year-old British national, who resided in Queensland, was formally charged on December 8. The case stems from his posting of content including the Nazi swastika and explicit calls for violence against Jews on two accounts on the X platform (formerly Twitter) over the past two months.
Investigations confirmed that the individual in question had adopted a “radical Nazi ideology.” This ideology promotes hatred, prompting authorities to transfer him to an immigration detention center. This was a prelude to his forced deportation unless he left the country voluntarily.
Burke: “You are a guest… and hatred has a price.”
In a firm statement to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Minister Tony Burke delivered a clear message, saying: “If you come to Australia on a visa, you are a guest here… and anyone who comes for hateful purposes should leave immediately.”
The minister stressed that the government would not tolerate incitement. He indicated that authorities currently need to prove a “harmful impact” on society to revoke visas. However, he believes that “mere incitement to hatred should be sufficient grounds in itself.”
Strict legislation on the horizon
These measures come amid heightened security in Australia following the mass shooting at Bondi Beach. This incident has sparked public and political demands for a tougher stance against antisemitism.
Burke revealed a government plan to lower the legal threshold that makes anti-Semitic acts subject to criminal law.
A new law has been introduced that expands the powers of the Minister of Immigration. The legislation allows for the revocation of visas based solely on “hate speech,” without requiring proof of tangible harm.
The minister concluded his remarks by noting that some extremist groups deliberately soften their rhetoric to avoid criminal prosecution. These new legal amendments aim to close this loophole and ensure that all residents conform to Australian societal standards.
