A group of alleged neo-Nazis dressed in black have targeted a refugee rally in Melbourne, unfurling a banner with offensive language.
Several hundred refugees and their supporters gathered outside the office of Home Affairs Minister Tony Bourke this morning, calling for permanent protection visas.
A small group of alleged neo-Nazis arrived dressed in black from head to toe, holding up offensive signs, claiming Australia was “full” and chanting offensive comments at the protesters.
Police quickly intervened to disperse the group.
“This is a peaceful protest. We don’t want violence,” one of the pro-refugee demonstrators told 9News.
The rally’s organisers suggested that comments made by Opposition Leader Peter Dutton during the week about refusing asylum to any refugees from the Gaza conflict may have emboldened neo-Nazi groups.
Anti-Defamation Commission chairman Dvir Abramovich said it was unfair to blame Dutton for the neo-Nazi appearance at the protest.
“This is at the core of their ideology and belief system, it has nothing to do with politics,” he said.
The refugees have vowed to continue their 24/7 protest until they are granted permanant visas, saying they have been “let down” by the fast-track program.
