Fury as 16 alleged neo-nazi radicals arrested over hijacking Australia Day march in Adelaide
A gang of alleged interstate neo-nazis has sparked widespread outrage and revulsion after hijacking peaceful Australia Day celebrations in Adelaide – see the list of all 16 men arrested.
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A gang of alleged “imported” neo-nazis has sparked widespread outrage and revulsion after hijacking peaceful Australia Day celebrations in Adelaide.
The group of 16, who police allege were all National Socialist Network members, including a Victorian teenager, were in custody on Sunday night after being charged over their shameful CBD “protest” on Sunday.
Carrying Australian flags and dressed in black, the extremists, almost all of whom had travelled from interstate, hijacked other peaceful protests and Australia Day events as police cracked down on illegal gatherings.
The NSN members, who ranged in age from 16 to 58, are due to appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday accused of “various street offences”, police said in a statement on Sunday night. A WA man, 25, has also been charged with use of a Nazi symbol, under tough new laws that came into force last month.
Premier Peter Malinauskas on Sunday night condemned their “utterly disgraceful” actions.
“The National War Memorial on North Tce commemorates South Australians who served our nation in wars and conflicts including World War II,” he said.
“It is utterly disgraceful that these so-called neo-nazis have come from interstate to protest in front of this sacred memorial that commemorates the exact thing so many South Australians fought against and paid the ultimate sacrifice.
“Racism and intolerance have no place in Australia. I utterly condemn the actions of those who seek to spread their hateful ideology in our community. I applaud the swift actions of (SA Police) in arresting those alleged to have committed criminal acts.”
Opposition leader Vincent Tarzia was also repulsed.
“Australia Day should be about celebrating what unites us – actions like this are disgraceful,” he said.
“Quite frankly, there is no tolerance for this sort of behaviour and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young called for an urgent investigation into the “sickening nazi invasion”, which mirrored interstate including in Melbourne.
“Adelaide is a peaceful and respectful city, and we don’t need nazi-wannabes terrorising members of our community,” she said. “These thugs don’t embody the values of our city, state, or country.”
Senior police praised the “overwhelming majority” of people who attended Australia Day events across the state including the Tour Down Under and an “invasion” protest.
A police spokeswoman said the NSN members were “not involved in organised events or protests”.
“Police will continue to provide a visible presence throughout the city to ensure community safety at all remaining events,” she said.
In a day of drama, the alleged NSN radicals – including a Brompton man, five Victorians, three each from NSW and WA together with Tasmania and Queensland visitors – gathered at war memorials in North and East Tce. The Advertiser revealed on Saturday the NSN’s plan to hold a three-day neo-nazi national conference in Adelaide.
More than 40 marched through the CBD, before being met with a heavy police presence in the Eastern parklands as some members fled from officers. Their protest delayed the “survival day” march from Victoria Square by at least 20 minutes.
The arrested individuals, including a Victorian man, 31, who is said to hold a senior NSN position, were charged with a raft of offences including failing to cease loitering, possessing articles of disguise and resisting arrest.
The arrests meant the city watch house became full on Sunday afternoon. Police declined to comment on “operational” issues. Witnesses recalled hearing Waltzing Matilda and “white Australia” chants. A large police presence, including mounted units and motorcycle officers, were diverted from the Tour Down Under to monitor the group.
Photos showed some displayed the European Australian Movement symbol.
In contrast, thousands gathered for survival day live music and speeches after registering with police.
Fun-drenched day in SA’s Australia Day sun
It was the perfect tonic to celebrate Australia Day – hot weather and the ocean to cool off.
A scorching 37C did little to deter the crowds from celebrating Australia Day across the state.
The beach was the place to be to endure Sunday’s heatwave – just ask the thousands of water lovers who parked along the popular southern suburbs Silver Sands beach, near Aldinga.
DJs Alkemik (Mikayla Silvestri) and Rhythmick (Mickey Capurso) took advantage of the sunshine as they brought their decks to celebrate the long weekend festivities.
Ms Silvestri, 30, of Maylands, said the hot weather was perfect for enjoying the day off with friends and family.
“It was wholesome, funny and full of sun,” she said.
“Our crew loves to dance so we danced and we swam.” She said it was a summer tradition for her friends on the last free weekend they all had before next year.
“Every summer we’ll come out and throw some tunes down and enjoy the heat and music,” she said.
Aldinga Football Club president Joanne Walsh, who was on ticket duty on the beach entrance, said at least 1800 cars parked on the sands during the day.
“Australia Day is always really busy – it was a really steady, really busy day today,” she said.
She estimated at least 4000 cars drove along the shore between Aldinga Beach and Sellicks.
Ms Walsh, 47, of Aldinga, said money raised funded council foreshore maintenance and was also divided among eight community groups as a fundraiser.
As with every year, the Tour Down Under attracted cycling fans from near and far. Victorian Kim Radford, from St Leonards, near Geelong, had attended the event “a number of times”.
“It’s been great,” she said. “The organisation gets better and better (with) how you’re able to find out how to get to various spots.
“It’s been most enjoyable and it’s been lovely having the warm weather so you can actually get out and enjoy it.”
Ecuador’s Jhonathan Narvaez, 27, won the overall title as expected. Australia’s Perth-born Sam Welsford, 29, won the stage.
Earlier, thousands of South Australians flocked to Tarntanya Wama (Elder Park) for a smoking ceremony, which recognised January 26 as a day of mourning for some Indigenous Australians.
More than 3000 people gathered at the annual Mourning in the Morning to pay their respects despite the sweltering conditions.
Many attendees draped themselves in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags, while others donned shirts with phrases such as, “Always was, always will be”.
There was a strong police and security presence at the event, which was attended by Premier Peter Malinauskas, Attorney-General and Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Kyam Maher, Governor Frances Adamson and Lord Mayor Jane Lomax-Smith.
Director of Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation Kirstie Parker, who was the master of ceremonies, said January 26 was a day to reflect.
“This morning’s event has been categorised in a lot of ways, but the one that sits with me mostly is unity and reflection,” Ms Parker said.
“It’s also an opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, First Nations people to say simply, staunchly and unapologetically and proudly that we are still here and we always will be.”
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined families from countries such as Nigeria and Sri Lanka as they became Aussie citizens at a ceremony in Canberra, telling them: “Whether we are born Australian, or we choose to become Australian, citizenship is a commitment that all of us make to each other.”
“Today, your talent and skill, … your hopes for the future join this great national endeavour,” he said.
“On Australia Day, let us celebrate the privilege we have to live in the greatest country on earth.
“Together let us seize the opportunity to make it even better.”
Opposition Leader Peter Dutton said in a video posted online “we shouldn’t be afraid of celebrating” Australia Day.
“Being an Australian is a celebration of our shared values,” he said.
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