Neo-Nazi manual for long-term rage

A disturbing manual instructing neo-Nazis how to avoid police, conceal their identity and spread propaganda is being circulated among sympathisers.

A manual image showing how to beat ID attempts.

A disturbing manual instructing neo-Nazis how to avoid police, conceal their identity and spread propaganda is being circulated among sympathisers, prompting warnings from security experts that far-right extremist forces in Australia are becoming increasingly organised.

The National Socialist Network Activism manual, seen by The Weekend Australian, includes advice on avoiding arrest and legal rights for the self-proclaimed “activists”. The 112-page document also features tips such as not bringing weapons to group meetings and not accessing online bomb making material, as well as anything that could be interpreted as a guide for political violence.

In addition, the manual lays out the powers of police and the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation to detain, question and arrest, and offers advice on “staying strong” when arrested.

In a blunt warning to potential turncoats, the guide says any member who cracks under pressure and speaks to authorities will be black-listed.

Dr John Coyne, head of Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute, said documents such as the manual could be used across far-right organisations and showed the National Socialist Network had access to people who understood surveillance and public relations.

“It makes it a little bit more difficult for authorities if and when they commit offences,” he said.

Among tips for avoiding surveillance, the manual recommends followers use burner phones and not to store sensitive material on electronic devices.

It also advises to avoid using major roads and highways when putting up far right posters and stickers in case cameras capture license plates and record the follower’s activity.

Victoria University political extremism expert Debra Smith said the manual showed the National Socialist Network was trying to establish a long-term movement, pointing to its recommendations for self-care.

“I think the manual makes it very clear they’re in for the long road, that they want to sustain a consistent movement (and) not just a short-term hit,” Associate Professor Smith said.

The manual was shared by self-proclaimed leader Thomas Sewell on the social media platform Gab. It had been privately circulated for a year before being shared by an ex-member.

Mr Sewell said he did not write the manual, and advising followers not to bring weapons to meetings was a “no-brainer”.

“We have never had anyone bring weapons to a meeting,” he told The Weekend Australian.

Mr Sewell is currently facing charges of affray after allegedly assaulting a Channel 9 security guard last month, while his group attracted headlines in the Grampians over the Australia Day long weekend. Dozens of members allegedly chanted racist and anti-Semitic slogans as they walked through the town of Halls Gap, with Mr Sewell sharing images online of the group posing in front of a burning cross and displaying Nazi salutes at various locations in the region.

In a section on propaganda, the manual recommends taking photos of members gathered together in public as well as any activist activity in public spaces and group activities including hikes.

Followers must wear all black and ensure their identity is concealed, including the covering of all tattoos and identifiable features, as the photos will be used for promotion.

In a section on “media baiting”, the manual advises members to create a fake email address and contact journalists pretending to be a member of the public alerting them to Nazi propaganda.

“When an article is released, jump into the comment section and start praising the group and defaming the media for distorting our group,” the manual said.

The manual advises extremists to create fake online accounts, including in online groups for universities, secondary schools, political debate, right wing, trade, meme, men and Australia.

“Pretending to be offended by the organisation in the post is a good way to promote the organisation in hostile groups,” the manual said. “This way your post won’t be deleted.”

Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said the manual demonstrated a level of sophistication and knowledge that should set off alarm bells within law enforcement.

“These neo-Nazis, determined to accelerate their movement’s deadly ideology, are on a recruiting drive, trying to reach new audiences and attract disaffected young white men, just like Brenton Tarrant, to their evil cause,” he said. The manual finishes with a quote from Adolf Hitler.