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The Australian government has taken a step in combating extremist hate networks by imposing financial sanctions on the neo-Nazi online group known as the Terrorgram Collective. Announced on Monday, February 3rd, by Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, these sanctions make it illegal for Australians to engage with or conduct business with the collective, which has been linked to promoting Antisemitism, white supremacy and racially motivated violence.
Under these measures, any dealings with the Terrorgram Collective, including using its assets or providing financial support, will be considered a criminal offense, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and/or heavy fines. “There is no place in Australia for antisemitism, hatred, or violence,” Wong emphasized in her statement.
The Terrorgram Collective, which first appeared around 2017, operates primarily on the encrypted Telegram messaging platform. The group is notorious for encouraging violence and spreading white supremacist ideologies, with a focus on inciting attacks on racial, religious, and LGBTQ+ communities. The collective has been linked to several violent events, including planned attacks on energy facilities in the U.S. and a shooting outside an LGBTQ+ bar in Slovakia.
This move follows similar actions by other nations. In January, the Biden administration designated the group as a terrorist organization, and the UK imposed its own sanctions earlier in 2024. These actions come as part of a global effort to limit the reach of extremist groups that use online platforms to recruit and radicalize followers.
In addition to sanctioning the Terrorgram Collective, Australia has reinstated sanctions on several other extremist groups, that like the Terrorgram Collective, are known for promoting violent, nationalist, and racist ideologies. Australia also reinstated individual sanctions on Naim Qassem, Hizballah’s new Secretary General.
This latest action reinforces Australia’s commitment to combating extremism and protecting its citizens from the growing threat posed by online hate networks.
