European Australian Movement

Last updated

European Australian Movement
AbbreviationEAM
Type Neo-Nazi extremist organization
Purpose
Location
Leader
 Thomas Sewell
Affiliations National Socialist Network

The European Australian Movement (EAM) is an Australian neo-Nazi political organisation. [1] The group is known for engaging in controversial public stunts. [2] EAM was founded by Thomas Sewell, Australian neo-Nazi and leader of another group, National Socialist Network (NSN), that is linked with the EAM. [3]

Contents

EAM has claimed that they are creating a network of "White Australians across every city, suburb and town who are against the systematic replacement and destruction of White Australians". [3] EAM actively promote themselves as being a men's health club and have been sighted boxing, lifting weights and exercising in public. [4] [5]

Activities

In May 2021, Thomas Sewell and a group of 10-15 other masked men, who were members of the EAM and NSN, attacked hikers in Victoria's Cathedral Range. [6] [7] [8] On 14 May 2021, Sewell was charged after a raid by counter-terrorism police at a house in the Melbourne suburb of Rowville. [6] [9] Sewell was charged with "armed robbery, robbery, theft, criminal damage, affray with face covering, affray, assault with a weapon, violent disorder, common law assault and committing an indictable offence whilst on bail". [6] [9] On 1 August 2023, Sewell pleaded guilty to one charge of violent disorder. [9]

In May 2022, South Australia Police acknowledged that they were investigating EAM. [10] The police statement came after EAM members distributed letters in Adelaide which included the phrase "blood and honour", a slogan which comes from the Nazi regime. [2] [10] Police stated that while it was "the right of individuals to have different beliefs in a democratic country", that they were concerned about groups "inciting people to commit violence". [10]

In March 2024, members of EAM distributed letters in Wagga Wagga, a regional city in New South Wales. [11] The letters claimed that those who joined EAM were fighting against the "systematic replacement and destruction of white Australians". [11] After being contacted by constituents, politicians Michael McCormack and Joe McGirr expressed disgust, with McGirr referring the matter to police. [11] McGirr stated that "images on the letter are reminiscent of Nazi symbols, the use of which is a criminal offence punishable by up to 12 months in jail and/or an $11,000 fine". [11]

Views

The European Australian Movement has a stated aim of building "a physical and politicised white Australian community" that seeks to preserve a white Australia. [4] [11] They believe Australia should remain a country inhabited by white Australians of European descent and have planned buying properties to set up communities of white Australians. [1]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 McKenzie, Nick (3 August 2022). "Inside Australia's 'terrorgram': How neo-Nazism spreads in our cities". The Sydney Morning Herald . Archived from the original on 23 July 2024. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  2. 1 2 "GPAHE report: Far-Right Hate and Extremist Groups in Australia". Global Project Against Hate and Extremism. Archived from the original on 5 April 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  3. 1 2 Roe, Chris (26 March 2024). "Neo-Nazi letterbox drop in Wagga calls for 'white Australian' recruits". Region Riverina. Archived from the original on 26 March 2024. Retrieved 6 March 2025.
  4. 1 2 Dillon, Meagan (30 August 2022). "Accused far-right extremist who uses Nazi salute asks Adelaide court for home detention bail". ABC News . Archived from the original on 24 January 2023. Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  5. ↑ Jackson, Blair (17 February 2025). "Neo-Nazis get blood pumping with group fitness in Melbourne park". News.com.au . Retrieved 7 March 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 "Australian neo-Nazi leader Thomas Sewell charged over alleged armed robbery". ABC News . 14 May 2021. Archived from the original on 14 May 2021. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
  7. ↑ Sweeney, Karen (27 October 2023). "Neo-Nazi leaders spared further jail time over hiker attack". Nine News . Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 27 October 2023.
  8. ↑ "Neo-Nazi leader sentenced to time served over attack on hikers in Victorian state park". The Guardian . Australian Associated Press. 27 October 2023. ISSN   0261-3077. Archived from the original on 27 October 2023. Retrieved 4 June 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 Pearson, Erin (1 August 2023). "Neo-Nazi leader pleads guilty to attack on hikers". The Age . Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 Keane, Daniel (13 May 2022). "SA Police investigating racist flyers dispersed by right-wing groups". ABC News . Retrieved 14 June 2025.
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 Huntly, Daisy; Dodge, Taylor (27 March 2024). "'Filth': Racist letters dropped in Riverina mailboxes a 'dangerous' move". The Border Mail . Archived from the original on 9 June 2025. Retrieved 10 June 2025.
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