South African Man’s Visa Revoked After Neo-Nazi Rally in Australia

South African Man’s Visa Cancelled Following Neo-Nazi Rally in Sydney

A South African living in Australia has been thrust into the international spotlight after authorities revoked his visa following his participation in a neo-Nazi rally.

Matthew Gruter, who moved to Australia with his family in 2022, was seen at an anti-Jewish protest outside the New South Wales parliament earlier this month. The demonstration, allegedly organised by the National Socialist Network (NSN), drew around 60 men dressed in black holding a banner that read “Abolish the Jewish lobby,” according to ABC News.

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.https://t.co/FKcDCn0Gl2

Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) November 17, 2025

Australian Government Acts on Character Grounds

Australia’s Home Affairs Minister, Tony Burke, confirmed the cancellation of Gruter’s visa on X (formerly Twitter), citing character concerns.

“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.

Gruter was taken into detention by the Australian Border Force between 4 and 5 a.m., and will remain in custody until he either arranges his own departure or is formally deported.

Connections to Neo-Nazi Networks

Reports indicate that Gruter is considered a senior member of the NSN in New South Wales, and he was active on social media linked to the extreme-right group in the hours leading up to his arrest.

The NSN, which organised the 8 November rally, is a notorious neo-Nazi network in Australia. The rally sparked outrage both locally and internationally, with many calling for stricter action against far-right extremism.

Gruter has vowed to “exhaust all legal options” to avoid deportation, according to the Sydney Morning Herald. In an NSN-affiliated statement, he confirmed that he had been taken to Villawood Immigration Detention Centre and that his visa was cancelled on character grounds.

A Broader Context: Rising Right-Wing Extremism

Australia has seen a surge in right-wing extremist activity in recent years. Earlier in 2025, the government made performing a Nazi salute a criminal offence, punishable by a mandatory prison term, in a bid to curb neo-Nazi activity.

The case has sparked significant online discussion. On social media, many Australians have expressed relief that authorities acted swiftly, while others debate the balance between immigration rights and public safety in the context of extremist activities.

“This sends a clear message: Australia will not tolerate the spread of hatred under the guise of free expression,” said one commentator on X.

As it stands, Gruter’s future in Australia is uncertain. Legal experts note that appeals on character grounds are possible but rarely successful when linked to extremist affiliations.

The case underscores Australia’s increasingly vigilant stance against domestic extremism, particularly as immigration and national security authorities work to prevent foreign nationals from exploiting visa privileges to spread hate.

For now, the deportation process will continue under tight security, while the broader community watches closely, mindful that rising extremism remains a pressing challenge both in Australia and globally.

{Source: The Citizen}

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