Neo-Nazi Leader Arrested as Attack Victims Fear Reprisal
Thomas Sewell disrupted a press conference with false claims about protest rights and was linked to far-right violence involving 12 arrests, Victoria Police said.
- Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan abruptly ended a press conference in West Melbourne on Tuesday after Thomas Sewell, head of a neo-Nazi group, disrupted the event by shouting insults.
- Sewell, who faces court on charges including intimidating a police officer, claimed his appearance was a coincidence while falsely stating Australians lack protest rights amid recent anti-immigration rallies.
- Security intervened to hold Sewell back as he loudly accosted Allan, who called the actions divisive, condemned violence during weekend protests with 5,000 attending Melbourne rallies, and announced convening an anti-hate task force.
- Allan commented that they are familiar with how these troublemakers act, stirring up fear to create division within the community, and expressed confidence that their efforts will not succeed. Prime Minister Albanese condemned the interruption at the press conference as "horrific," while police described the behavior as "gutless."
- The incident highlights ongoing tensions around protest laws, with Victoria debating new legislation to ban face coverings and protests near places of worship, aiming to strengthen anti-hate measures coming into force later this month.
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Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell arrested in relation to alleged Camp Sovereignty attack
Prominent Victorian neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell shouted "Heil Australia" as he confronted Premier Jacinta Allen during a press conference in Melbourne. Sewell was a speaker at Sunday's anti-immigration protest, while neo-Nazis were present at other March for Australia rallies across the country.
·Sydney, Australia
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Total News Sources21
Leaning Left6Leaning Right4Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution55% Left
Bias Distribution
- 55% of the sources lean Left
55% Left
L 55%
R 36%
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