A South African man who took part in a neo-Nazi protest outside the New South Wales Parliament in Australia has had his visa cancelled and will be forced to leave.
Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke cancelled the visa of Matthew Gruter on Monday, following the anti-Jewish demonstration more than a week ago.
The group, who described themselves as ‘White Australia, formerly the National Socialist Network’ stood in formation, wearing all black on the street with a banner reading ‘Abolish the Jewish Lobby’.
Gruter, who is reported by Australian media to have lived in Sydney with his family for several years after immigrating in 2022, was among about 60 members accused of chanting Hitler Youth slogans.
Burke defended the decision to boot him out the country. “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 turns up to show hatred and wreck the household, they can be told it’s time to go home,” Burke said.
@9news The South African national could be placed in immigration detention if he doesn’t leave the country immediately. #9News ♬ original sound – 9News Australia
An online job profile lists Gruter as a senior civil engineer specialising in water and wastewater at a multinational design and consulting firm.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns condemned the demonstration, calling it a shocking display of hatred
“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.”
“It’s obviously shameful that these people feel that they have the right to demonstrate in such a despicable, hateful way, spewing division and racism on the streets of Sydney,” he said.
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