Thousands Call for Neo-Nazi Leader’s Deportation as Legal Hurdles Emerge

Growing Public Pressure for Legal Reform

A petition demanding the deportation of Thomas Sewell has gathered more than 91,000 signatures, calling on the Australian government to take action against the New Zealand-born activist who moved to Australia as a child.

The petition’s organisers are pushing for reforms to the Australian Citizenship Act that would allow courts to revoke citizenship for “serious post-citizenship” offences. Currently, the law makes it “nearly impossible to revoke citizenship from violent extremists even when they hold dual nationality and pose a clear threat to public safety.”

Recent Incidents Spark Outrage

Sewell currently faces 25 charges related to an alleged attack on a First Nations camp in Melbourne, including violent disorder, affray, and assault. The situation has drawn criticism from the highest levels of government, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing the events as “quite horrific” during a caucus meeting in Canberra. Police were seen arresting Sewell outside the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Legal Challenges and Citizenship Status

Under the Australian Citizenship Act, the home affairs minister can apply for a court order to cancel a dual-national’s citizenship, but specific conditions must be met. These include the court imposing a imprisonment of three years or more, the person committing a serious offence, and conduct demonstrating they have “repudiated their allegiance” to Australia.

Law Enforcement Concerns

Detective Senior Constable Saer Pascoe has expressed concern about Sewell’s role as leader of the neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network, noting his alleged encouragement of others to commit violence. “The applicant’s behaviour in recent times has been escalating in violence and concerning behaviour,” the detective stated, adding that “He is their leader and has complete control… He has shown he has a large group of followers who will attack on instruction.”

International Implications

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has addressed the situation, stating that Sewell is an Australian citizen, describing him as “a pretty awful human being” and indicating that Australia should handle the matter.