Extremist group accuses Onkaparinga Council of ‘crimes against humanity’

A group has claimed responsibility for the disruption of an Onkaparinga Council meeting, where they allegedly accused members of “crimes against humanity”.

A shadowy far-right conspiracy group has claimed responsibility for a brief takeover and sit-in of an Onkaparinga Council meeting where it is alleged its members abused staff and councillors.

Police have told the council they are monitoring the group but they are “not dangerous”.

The group wrote on the Facebook page Onkaparinga Council Watch claiming responsibility for the Tuesday night council chamber takeover by 13 “witnesses”, and the presentation to councillors of “affidavits” explaining their “crimes against humanity”.

The group said it is part of the Common Law Community of South Australia, and promotes conspiracy theories such as the 5G network controlling people and fluoride being used as poison.

The Onkaparinga Council Watch page removed more than 100 comments by the group, including a reference to the term used in Nazi Germany “unnütze Esser" or “useless eater" to describe councillors.

A deleted Facebook comment from one of those who took over the Onkaparinga Council chamber this week using the Nazi term “unnütze Esser” or “useless eater” to describe councillors. Picture: Facebook

The council issued a statement on Friday confirming the incident.

“The group disrupted the meeting as it reconvened following a planned adjournment, yelling statements from the gallery and approaching the chamber benches,” the council said.

“They also handed documents to at least one elected member outside the chamber during the break, and verbally abused that member and a number of other staff and members present.”

The council said Mayor Erin Thompson and acting chief executive Christopher White met with police on Wednesday morning.

“They were advised that the group was known to police and were not considered dangerous,” the council said.

“The mayor and acting CEO offered to make a formal report and provide CCTV footage, but because no crime was committed, a report was not taken.

“Police offered to attend immediately in future should any disturbances occur that result in acts of trespass, or threats of criminal conduct.

“Council welcomes open access to its meetings and processes, but any unreasonable interference with meetings or threatening behaviour will not be tolerated.”

Ratepayers and The Advertiser have been denied access to the CCTV footage taken inside the chamber.

An Onkaparinga Council Watch spokeswoman said it was monitoring the comments and opinion of the group on Facebook, and would not tolerate extreme views.

The council had made no public comment about the attempted takeover until a request from The Advertiser.

The Advertiser is not suggesting any councillor past or present has committed any crime referred to by the group.

SA Police confirmed they were not requested to attend the council chambers or “any council meeting” on June 15.

“SAPOL always take any threats to public safety seriously but have no information to indicate there was such a threat on June 15,” a spokesperson said.