Australia Imposes Sanctions on Online White Supremacist Network in Landmark Move
The federal government targets Terrorgram with counter-terrorism sanctions as antisemitic incidents and opposition criticism escalate.
- The Albanese government has sanctioned Terrorgram, an online white supremacist network, marking the first time Australia has imposed counter-terrorism financing sanctions on a fully online entity.
- The sanctions make it a criminal offense to use or deal with Terrorgram's assets, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and heavy fines.
- The decision follows a rise in antisemitic incidents, including graffiti and harassment in Sydney, as well as broader concerns about radicalization and extremist content online.
- Opposition Leader Peter Dutton criticized Prime Minister Anthony Albanese over the handling of a separate alleged antisemitic plot involving a caravan with stolen explosives, questioning when the PM was informed.
- The Coalition has renewed calls for mandatory minimum sentences for Commonwealth terrorism offenses and hate symbol displays, urging swift legislative action in Parliament this week.