A senator who claimed he had no understanding of the implications of the term the ‘final solution’ appeared at a far-right protest alongside activists who performed Nazi salutes.
Independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning said he hoped Saturday’s riots on St Kilda beach said would lead to a ‘revolution’.
He reiterated that if he were elected as prime minister, he would refuse entry to any immigrants of African descent as well as Muslims, but is not against allowing Chinese and Indians in, as long as they don’t outnumber Europeans.
Independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning (pictured) told the media he hoped Saturday’s riots on St Kilda beach would lead to a ‘revolution’
A senator who claimed he had no understanding of the implications of the term the ‘final solution’ when he was admonished appeared at a far-right protest today alongside neo-Nazi’s who performed Nazi salutes (pictured)
Ugly violence erupted between far-right supporters, some of which were seen performing the Nazi salute (pictured) and counter-protesters on Saturday
‘I think this is the start of something bigger, I think the revolution will eventually start and these people have got to be sent back to where they came from,’ he said.
‘Its the beginning. We Australians are very slow to act, we just react.’
United Patriots Front founder Blair Cottrell was seen alongside Anning on numerous occasions, including when the rural QLD senator was preparing to address media.
He said that he attended the rally to represent the Queenslanders who wished they could have attended.
‘These are Australian people showing their disgust with the Australian government for allowing garbage like these Sudanese thugs to come into our country and belting our innocent women and children,’ he said.
‘All Australians have to eventually get over their political correctness and stand up and fight back.’
That sentiment echoes Cottrell’s announcement after the riots – which he deemed a ‘great success’ despite the violence.
Cottrell threatened to rally again ‘outside Premier Daniel Andrews office’ if he does not agree to address what he describes as a ‘violent crime epidemic’.
Police turned out in droves to ensure the event stayed as controlled as possible
Cottrell (pictured) threatened to rally again ‘outside Premier Daniel Andrews office’ if he does not agree to address what he describes as a ‘violent crime epidemic’
State police minister Lisa Neville said hundreds of police attended, including the specialist police, dog squad, mounted squad and public response teams
The protest, which was advertised as a ‘non-violent political meeting’ to ‘make Australia safe again’ from African gangs, did in fact turn violent, with three right-wing protesters arrested throughout the day
Anning was previously dismissed from his post with Katter’s Australian Party after referring to ‘the final solution’ during his maiden parliamentary speech.
At the time, he claimed he was unaware of the term’s long and troubling connection to the rise of Nazi Germany.
Saturday’s rally was organised by a number of people who themselves are referred to as neo-Nazi’s, and multiple rally-goers were even seen giving the ‘Nazi salute’ at numerous times throughout the day.
Independent Queensland senator Fraser Anning (left) was seen with far-right convicted criminal Blair Cottrell (right)
Anning’s appearance at the event comes just days after United Patriots Front leader – and convicted criminal – Blair Cottrell vowed to join in on the protesting.
State police minister Lisa Neville told reporters on Friday any fighting would be met with heavy resistance.
‘Let me be clear – there will be hundreds of police there, there will be specialist police, there will be the dog squad, the mounted squad, the transit teams, the public order response teams, they will be conducting weapons searches,’ she said.
‘Whether you are on the ultra-right or the ultra-left, this is a family beach and Victoria Police will be there in force to keep it safe.’
A spokesperson from Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia they respect the public’s right to protest peacefully.
‘Police will continue to provide a strong presence at the rally to ensure the safety of the community.
‘Victoria Police respects people’s right to protest peacefully, but will not tolerate those who break the law.’
A spokesperson from Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia they respect the public’s right to protest peacefully but would not tolerate any law breaking
Protesters from each side of the rioting were seen being dragged off by police after fights erupted on the beach and on walkways
Scores of riot police (pictured) were dispatched to St Kilda beach to break up any conflicts. They were a part of a multi-faceted police operation
The protest, which was advertised as a ‘non-violent political meeting’ to ‘make Australia safe again’ from African gangs, did in fact turn violent, with three right-wing protesters arrested throughout the day.
One teenager was found to be carrying a weapon, while two others were arrested for their behaviour during the rioting.
Cottrell, who’s extensive rap sheet includes violent assaults, arson and trafficking testosterone, described multiculturalism as ‘dividing and destabilising’, before promising to join the rally.
He, alongside the event organiser Neil Erikson demanded to know why African gang crime rates are ‘through the roof’ while claiming that nothing is being done about it.
Armed police (pictured left and right) were out in force on Saturday warning against violence among protesters attending
Right-wing activist and convicted criminal Blair Cottrell (pictured) led a protest against African gang violence
The protesting disintegrated into violence and rioting as the day progressed. Three people in total were arrested for their anti-social behaviour
The protesting disintegrated into violence and rioting as the day progressed. Three people in total were arrested for their anti-social behaviour
Campaign Against Racism and Fascism spokeswoman Tess Dimos digressed, saying despite claims there is an ‘African gang crisis’, African youths are systematically targeted.
‘There is no credibility to the gang violence, it’s all a hyped-up image showing crime from African youths.’
That sentiment echoes one that was previously addressed by prominent lawyer and community advocate Nyadol Nyuon, who took to social media to share her concerns ahead of the scheduled event.
In the meantime, we get to call and inform family members and our community to stay away from the beaches this Saturday – in summer.
‘Neil and Blair have been referred to as ”activists”, ”concerned citizens” or merely ”controversial”,’ Ms Nyuon began. ‘[These] terms neglect their racist and violent incitements (like Blair saying he would ‘execute’ certain people).’
‘If we were to hold a demonstration against racism, some mainstream outlets would be calling us ‘ungrateful’ to be in Australia and to leave if we didn’t like it.’
‘Yet a racist rally, led by convicted criminals, can go ahead with their leaders enjoying media coverage that cast them as having legitimate concerns, and who will find support from free speech worries insisting on their rights to effectively harass black peoples,’ Ms Nyuon said.
‘In the meantime, we get to call and inform family members and our community to stay away from the beaches this Saturday – in summer.’
The protesting disintegrated into violence and rioting as the day progressed. Three people in total were arrested for their anti-social behaviour
Maker Mayek, a lawyer and principle of Mayek Legal, told Daily Mail Australia the protest is ‘extremely dangerous, not only for the members of the African community, but for beach-goers, residents of St Kilda and surrounding areas.’
‘The protests are likely to inflame fears and tensions in race relations which suffered greatly as a result of the sensationalist reporting and dog-whistling we saw in 2018. The last thing we want to see in this country is another Cronulla.’
Erikson also briefly spoke, accusing authorities of removing social media posts and stifling the number of people the event reached online.
‘Good to see regular Aussies here and no Nazis,’ he said, shortly before a follower marched from the beach while performing the Nazi salute.
Former senator Derryn Hinch is the only politician who has come forward condemning Anning’s attendance at the rally, despite dozens of calls on social media platforms for Prime Minister Scott Morrison to do the same.
‘I have chastised Fraser Anning in the Senate for his racism, anti-abortion clinic exclusion zones and Hitler’s Final Solution. His appearance in support of the neo-Nazis in St. Kilda today topped his calumny,’ Mr Hinch said.