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Neo-Nazi Joel Davis Denied Bail Over Alleged 'Rhetorical Rape' Message Targeting Allegra Spender

The court rejected his third release bid after arguments over whether the phrase was academic rhetoric or a literal threat.

Overview

  • Appearing via video link in Sydney, Davis told the court the National Socialist Network has disbanded and said he is no longer, and will never be, a member.
  • He is charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or offend, an offence carrying a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment.
  • Prosecutors said some followers on his Telegram channel interpreted the phrase as a call to actual rape and described the wording as a careful political choice.
  • The defence argued the term was a philosophical figure of speech denoting robust debate, noting Davis missed the birth of his first child in custody and has been accepted into a positive lifestyle program.
  • The case returns to court on February 11, following his arrest in November after a contentious NSN rally outside NSW parliament that drew condemnation from MP Allegra Spender.