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Australia Imposes Sanctions on Right-Wing Online Network ‘Terrorgram’

In January, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration designated "Terrorgram" as a terrorist organization, accusing it of promoting violent white supremacy.

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Australia Imposes Sanctions on Right-Wing Online Network ‘Terrorgram’

Australia imposed sanctions on the extreme right-wing online network “Terrorgram” on Monday, as part of efforts to curb rising antisemitism and online extremism. The move follows similar actions taken by Britain and the United States.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong stated that the sanctions would make it a criminal offence to engage with “Terrorgram” and would also help prevent children from being drawn into far-right extremism.

“Terrorgram is an online network that promotes white supremacy and racially-motivated violence,” Wong said in a statement.

“It is the first time any Australian Government has imposed counterterrorism financing sanctions on an entity based entirely online.”

Offenders could face up to 10 years in prison along with heavy fines, she added.

The Australian government has also re-listed and imposed sanctions on other right-wing extremist groups, including the National Socialist Order, the Russian Imperial Movement, Sonnenkrieg Division, and The Base, for counterterrorism financing, Wong said.

In January, U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration designated “Terrorgram” as a terrorist organization, accusing it of promoting violent white supremacy. In April, Britain made it a criminal offence to be associated with or promote the group.

The crackdown on far-right extremism comes after Australian police arrested members of a neo-Nazi group in Adelaide last week during the country’s National Day celebrations. A man was also charged for displaying a Nazi symbol.

Meanwhile, Australia has witnessed a surge in attacks on synagogues, buildings, and vehicles since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023, raising concerns among the country’s nearly 115,000-strong Jewish community.