National Socialist Network neo-nazi leader Thomas Sewell freed after signing bail papers
Thomas Sewell – the neo-nazi leader who refused to sign bail papers, claiming he did not recognise the authority of SA courts – has backflipped and been released from custody.
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A top neo-nazi leader who refused to be bailed over the Australia Day protests – insisting he did not recognise the authority of the SA’s courts – has quietly signed his bail papers and been released.
The Advertiser can reveal National Socialist Network leader Thomas Sewell has been released from remand on $600 bail conditions that ban him from communicating with his followers.
His social media accounts have since become active again.
Mr Sewell is further banned from returning to or remaining in Adelaide’s CBD and parklands, and from participating in any demonstration promoting racist or national socialist ideology.
The 31-year-old, of Wantirna South in Victoria, has yet to plead to one count of loitering and one count of displaying a Nazi symbol.
SA Police allege the NSN’s insignia breaches the state’s tough anti-Nazi laws.
The group was arrested the day after a five-month Advertiser undercover investigation revealed the NSN intended to hold a three-day national conference in Adelaide.
That same investigation revealed the NSN was trying to start a commune as part of their “mission” to “save” the white European race from extinction.
On Tuesday, Sewell was granted bail but declined to sign his agreement.
“I do not acknowledge nor accept your jurisdiction under the Constitutional laws of this court,” he told Magistrate Luke Davis.
“This is outright political persecution by corrupt SA Police officers.”
Mr David urged Mr Sewell to sign his bail agreement but also conceded he would “make his own choices”.
Mr Sewell was not among the alleged NSN members released from the City Watch House on Tuesday – The Advertiser understands he was released sometime afterwards.
He will face court again in March.
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