Melbourne, Australia — A neo-Nazi group violently attacked a First Nations protest camp on Sunday, provoking widespread condemnation from Indigenous leaders and local politicians. The incident occurred at Camp Sovereignty in King’s Domain, shortly after a controversial anti-immigration rally known as the “March for Australia,” which attracted far-right groups opposed to migration and multicultural initiatives.
Eyewitness videos shared on social media depict a group of men dressed in black marching into the protest site, hurling insults, and assaulting individuals present. Disturbingly, some footage shows them stomping on a sacred fire and desecrating an Aboriginal flag. Reports indicate that the assailants wielded pipes, poles, and branches, with a particular focus on targeting women, resulting in injuries to four people.
Authorities from Ambulance Victoria confirmed that one woman in her 30s suffered upper body injuries and required hospitalization due to the incident. Among those involved was notorious neo-Nazi figure Thomas Sewell, raising alarm among community leaders and activists.
The First People’s Assembly expressed its solidarity with Camp Sovereignty, stating their commitment to uphold cultural values and rights. “Our sovereignty is strong, and our vision for a better future remains unchanged,” the Assembly stated, denouncing the violence as an attack on Indigenous rights.
First Peoples Victoria echoed this sentiment, labeling the assault a targeted act against First Nations people expressing their right to protest and occupy cultural spaces. The organization called for immediate government action to ensure the safety of Aboriginal communities in public areas.
Victoria Police are currently investigating the attack. Police Minister Anthony Carbines denounced the incident as “gutless” and stressed the need to hold those responsible accountable for their actions. “This is about intimidation and violence, and we won’t tolerate it,” he remarked during an interview.
Senator Lidia Thorpe urged the federal government to take action, characterizing the events as a “neo-Nazi hate crime.” She called for a comprehensive investigation by the Australian Federal Police and emphasized the necessity for stern measures against the perpetrators.
While no arrests were made specifically at Camp Sovereignty, law enforcement reported six arrests across the city during the “March for Australia” protests. The ongoing investigation has led police to request that anyone with information or video evidence come forward to assist with their inquiries.
Similar protests took place in other cities across Australia, with significant participation in Brisbane. Video footage from those events featured Kooma Elder Uncle Wayne Wharton, who addressed the crowd passionately, reminding attendees of their historical responsibilities. “You invaded this country; you stole the land,” he asserted, reinforcing the calls for justice and recognition of Indigenous rights in Australia.
As community leaders and activists continue to call for accountability and action, the incident has sparked renewed discussions on the safety and rights of First Nations people amidst rising tensions in the socio-political landscape.