The ADC, Australia’s leading civil rights organisation fighting hatred in all its forms, has praised Twitter for its putting into effect its new safety rules and suspending the Twitter account of Australian neo-Nazi group Antipodean Resistance (AR). AR describes itself as the “the Hitlers you’ve been waiting for”, and has targeted universities and public places with Nazi, homophobic and anti-Semitic posters. Some of the AR materials endorse murder and physical violence, urging the enactment of laws to execute Jews and the killing of gays. According to the new anti-abuse regulations, groups who promote violence and hateful ideologies, online or offline, will be banned permanently
Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the ADC, issued the following statement:
“It is about time that Twitter did the right thing and shut down the account of this neo-Nazi group which has been exploiting social media in publicizing its horrendous ideology, propaganda and activities. In 2017, AR used its Twitter account to post photos of their vandalism, their distribution of swastika posters and violent stickers at universities and in public places across the nation, as well as their radicalisation camps in Victoria. We know that they are actively recruiting members through the web, and that they are being monitored by ASIO. Twitter, and other giant media companies must make it abundantly clear that AR, and other white-supremacist groups have no role in our society, and those agents of hate, who traffic in incitement and vilification, will not be allowed to use these popular platforms to recruit, intimidate and promote their sickening agenda. At a time of a disturbing surge in anti-Semitism here and abroad, these companies have the responsibility to do everything in their power to stop prejudice and bigotry from growing and flourishing online. As always, the ADC stands ready to working with Twitter in the ongoing battle against cyber-hatred.”
For further information please contact Dr Dvir Abramovich on 9272 5677.