Australian Visa Revoked for South African Neo-Nazi Rally Attendee

Mon Nov 17 2025 15:41:07 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Matthew Gruter's participation in an anti-Jewish protest has led to the revocation of his visa in Australia, highlighting a crackdown on extremism in the country.

Matthew Gruter, a South African civil engineer living in Australia since 2022, had his visa revoked after attending a neo-Nazi rally organized by the National Socialist Network. Australian authorities reaffirmed their commitment to combatting right-wing extremism, emphasizing that visa holders must adhere to the values of Australian society.

A South African man, Matthew Gruter, seen attending a neo-Nazi rally outside an Australian parliament has had his visa revoked. Gruter, who moved to Australia in 2022 with his wife, participated in an anti-Jewish protest organized by the National Socialist Network earlier this month. He was spotted in the front row among around 60 men, all dressed in black, holding a banner that read 'Abolish the Jewish lobby.'

This incident has sparked discussions around the rising right-wing extremism in Australia, with authorities having recently made the Nazi salute punishable by mandatory prison terms. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the visa cancellation, stating, 'If you are on a visa, you are a guest.' He added that negativity and hatred have no place in Australia.

Gruter is reported to hold a senior position within the National Socialist Network, a known neo-Nazi group in the country, pointing to an undercurrent of extremist sentiments prevalent in recent Australian protests. The rally lasted less than 20 minutes and was legally authorized, as per local news reports.