Man Charged with Hate Speech in Sydney Linked to Disbanded Neo-Nazi Group
Police have alleged in court that a man charged under hate speech laws following an anti-immigration rally in Sydney has connections to a now disbanded neo-Nazi group. Brandan Koschel was denied bail and remanded in custody after appearing virtually before the NSW Bail Division court on Tuesday.
Charges and Allegations
Koschel faces charges under section 93ZAA of the Crimes Act for publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race. This comes after he allegedly made a series of antisemitic comments to a crowd at the Sydney March for Australia rally. The court heard that police allege Koschel was at the rally with known members or associates of the National Socialist Network (NSN).
Police prosecutor presented open source information suggesting online links indicating Koschel may have been a member of the NSN. The neo-Nazi group disbanded last Sunday ahead of federal legislation outlawing hate groups.
Court Proceedings and Symbolism
During the hearing, it was revealed that Koschel was wearing a black shirt featuring a Celtic cross, a symbol widely recognised as associated with neo-Nazi ideologies. Allegations state that in his speech, he hailed Thomas Sewell, the former leader of the NSN, and expressed support for white Australia. Additionally, he reportedly called for the release of Joel Davis, who is in custody for allegedly sending a threatening message about independent MP Allegra Spender.
Magistrate Daniel Convington, in refusing bail, noted the ideologies suggested in the facts sheet and the alleged comments made it challenging to determine bail conditions that could protect the community and mitigate the risk of further offences.
Defence and Prosecution Arguments
Jasmine Lau, representing Koschel, argued for bail, stating that with the NSN disbanded, Koschel has no ongoing affiliation with an active group, posing no current risk. She highlighted his limited criminal history and lack of prior hate crime records, noting he attended the event alone and claimed the Celtic symbol was not an NSN emblem.
In contrast, the police prosecutor contended that no bail conditions could adequately reduce the risks, citing heightened public hatred towards the Jewish community post-Bondi terror attack as an unacceptable risk to community safety. The speech was delivered to several hundred people and live-streamed, amplifying its impact.
Legal Context and Broader Implications
Convington reserved his bail decision until midday to review the legislation carefully. The law in question, part of a controversial suite passed by the Minns Government last February, introduces new criminal offences for intentionally inciting racial hatred, with penalties up to two years imprisonment. This followed incidents like a caravan with explosives in Dural and antisemitic graffiti attacks.
Since the laws took effect in August, two people have been charged, with one case withdrawn. In related developments, NSW police issued public safety orders banning some individuals from Sydney's CBD on 26 January, though specific names were not confirmed. Former NSN leader Jack Eltis claimed on Telegram he received such an order.
Assistant police commissioner Brett McFadden confirmed that an individual served with a public safety order was removed from the March for Australia event, escorted voluntarily by police outside the precinct.
