‘Act now’: Jewish organisations urgent plea after neo-Nazi march in Melbourne
A leading Jewish organisation has called on the the Victorian government to “act now” after a neo-Nazi march through Melbourne’s CBD.
A leading Jewish organisation has called on the the Victorian government to “act now” after a neo-Nazi march through Melbourne’s CBD.
Around 100 masked men marched through Melbourne’s CBD in the early hours of Saturday morning — with police watching on.
At the front of the procession past Bourke Street Mall, two individuals carried an Australian flag and a National Socialist Network flag, while another man held a sign reading “White Man Fight Back.”
The march was condemned by state premier Jacinta Allan, who called the participants “goons” and added: “Nazis don’t belong in this country and they know it. That’s why they hide behind masks in the dark.”
In a statement, the Jewish Council of Victoria condemned the march urged the state government to act when parliament resumes next week.
“Eight months after promising anti-masking and anti-hate symbol laws, the government must act now,” they said.
The council also called on the Jewish community to stay strong.
“Hate and menace again found its way in Melbourne’s CBD last night,” the council said.
“A small group of neo-Nazis hid behind masks and darkness, ashamed to show their faces.
“They are a tine fringe, rejected by the overwhelming majority of Victorians, who proudly embrace our multicultural communities.
“They will not intimidate us. They will not divide us.”
Ms Allan announced a series of measures to crackdown on protests in December, including bans on certain flags and symbols, and face coverings at protests.
The National Socialist Network is an Australian neo-Nazi organisation formed in 2020 and known for using protests and media tactics to recruit members nationwide.
Police vehicles were seen arriving at the scene with lights flashing, but officers appeared to allow the march to continue without interference. This is not the first time such demonstrations have occurred in Melbourne, with previous events reportedly linked to neo-Nazi groups.
A Victoria Police spokeswoman said police responded to a pop-up protest in the Melbourne CBD on 9 August at about 12.40am.
“Around 100 people dressed in black with face coverings marched through the Melbourne CBD,” the spokeswoman said.
“Police were quick to respond to ensure public order was maintained.”
She said the group eventually walked to Flagstaff Gardens where they dispersed at about 1.25am.
“It is alleged an altercation occurred during the protest where a man confronted the group and was assaulted. The man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries and police will investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.”
The spokeswoman said no arrests were made throughout the protest and police had a strong presence to maintain community safety and to prevent any breach of the peace.
“Victoria Police respects the right to protest however there is absolutely no place for antisemitic, racist or hate-based behaviour in our society and police will not tolerate such activity,” she said.
Ms Allan said police need more power and the government are in the process of introducing new laws.
She said: “We will introduce powers for police to unmask cowards at protests.
“We’re not afraid of these goons - but we won’t tolerate them either.”
‘Chilling’
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chair of the Anti-Defamation Commission, who led the national campaign that resulted in the banning of the Nazi swastika, salute and the sale of Third Reich Memorabilia likened the march to a “war parade”, describing them as “domestic warlords in training”.
“Yesterday, Melbourne witnessed a scene that should freeze the blood of every Australian; an army of neo-Nazis marching in formation through our streets, their black uniforms slicing through the city like a blade,” Dr Abramovich said.
“(It’s) a chilling trailer for the full-length horror they are plotting.”
He warned the group was “shouting their evil manifesto in our faces”.
“They glorify violence, spread dangerous lies, target minorities, and feed off division. We have one chance to bolt the door on this movement before they force it open.
“History will not forgive inaction. The time to move is now.
“I call on the Prime Minister and Parliament to outlaw every neo-Nazi and white-supremacist organisation operating in this country. Not next year. Not after the next funeral. Now.”
The march sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with many comments expressing support while others pushed back strongly.
“Australia is multicultural so no, they are NOT standing up for ‘Australians,’” one wrote.
“This isn’t what true patriot Australians do … this is about division,” another said.
One commenter didn’t hold back, describing them as a “pathetic little club of cowards.”
“Not one of those manchild scumbags is doing anything, they just only feel strong in a gang,” he wrote.
“Separate them and you have a club of snivelling babies.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Originally published as ‘Act now’: Jewish organisations urgent plea after neo-Nazi march in Melbourne
