The federal government today imposed sanctions against a neo-Nazi online group that openly backs acts of violence as Australia steps up its response to antisemitic attacks.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong announced the counter-terrorism financing measures against white supremacist terrorist network Terrorgram.
“Terrorgram is an online network that promotes white supremacy and racially-motivated violence,” she said.
“It is now a criminal offence to use or deal with the assets of, or make assets available to Terrorgram.”
It is the first time an organisation based solely online has been hit with Australian government counter-terrorism financing sanctions.
Penalties include up to 10 years’ imprisonment and heavy fines.
Wong said four other groups promoting violent racist and nationalist ideologies have also been relisted for counter-terrorism financing sanctions.
They were the National Socialist Order, the Russian Imperial Movement, Sonnenkrieg Division and The Base.
“This demonstrates the Albanese Government’s commitment to disrupting the activities of terrorists and violent extremists and preventing them from recruiting and radicalising people online,” she said.
“There is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hatred or violence.”
Separately, Wong also announced sanctions against the new secretary general of the terrorist cell Hezbollah’s and its spokesperson, Naim Qassem.
The sanctions come in the wake of antisemitic attacks in Melbourne and Sydney that have left the Albanese government and police forces scrambling to respond.
Counter-terrorism experts are continuing to investigate a caravan filled with explosives was discovered in north-west Sydney amid concerns of a mass casualty attack on Jewish targets,
The last weekend, cars, homes and garages in Sydney’s east were defaced with antisemitic graffiti.
