Far-right violence and terrorism – October 2024

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Introduction

In October 2024, the global landscape was marked by an alarming presence of terrorism linked to extreme right-wing ideologies. This analysis underscores the paramount significance of this issue in the contemporary world order. Terrorism, irrespective of its ideological roots, has long posed a grave threat to international peace and security. Recent times, however, have witnessed a distinct shift in this threat landscape. The ascent of extreme right-wing terrorism has introduced a new layer of complexity to the global security equation. This report aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of extreme right-wing terrorism in October 2024, offering insights into its evolution, and current manifestations. By dissecting this phenomenon’s trends, causative factors, and ramifications, we aim to foster awareness and inform policymaking while promoting international collaboration to counter this growing menace.

UNITED STATES

Black Musician Testifies Against White Nationalist Group Over Boston Attack

Charles Murrell III, a Black musician from Boston, testified in federal court on Thursday, describing a harrowing assault by members of the white nationalist group Patriot Front during a 2022 march in downtown Boston. Murrell recounted being surrounded, punched, kicked, and beaten with metal shields near the Boston Public Library, an assault he describes as “coordinated, brutal, and racially motivated” (1). This lawsuit seeks damages from Patriot Front leader Thomas Rousseau, who failed to respond to Murrell’s civil suit.

U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani previously held the group and Rousseau liable, with a ruling pending after further witness testimonies. A witness testified to seeing Murrell pushed and ganged up on by members wielding shields. Following the attack, Murrell required hospital treatment, including stitches for his injuries.

New Hampshire Judge Denies Dismissal of Lawsuit Against White Nationalist Group for Drag Story Hour Disruption

Merrimack County Superior Court Judge John Kissinger has rejected a motion to dismiss a lawsuit filed by New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella against Christopher Hood and the NSC-131 group. The lawsuit alleges that the defendants engaged in discriminatory behavior by attempting to intimidate and disrupt a drag queen story hour event hosted at the Teatotaller Café in Concord on June 18, 2023. The judge ruled that the defendants’ actions violated New Hampshire’s anti-discrimination laws and cannot be shielded by First Amendment rights (2).

During the event, members of NSC-131 gathered outside the café, chanting Nazi slogans and homophobic slurs while performing Nazi salutes directed toward the café. The Attorney General’s Office argued that this behavior aimed to incite discrimination against the drag performer based on their sexual orientation and gender identity. Judge Kissinger’s ruling supports the state’s compelling interest in combatting discrimination, allowing the case to proceed to hold the group accountable.

Final Sentencing for White Supremacist Plot Targeting U.S. Power Grid

Jordan Duncan, 29, was sentenced to seven years in prison, marking the final sentencing of five defendants in a white supremacist plot targeting critical infrastructure in the United States. Former Marines Duncan, Liam Collins, and Justin Wade Hermanson, along with Paul Kryscuk and Joseph Maurino, planned to attack an energy facility in support of violent white supremacist ideologies. Their actions included manufacturing unregistered firearms and organizing combat training.

Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized that the sentencing underscores the Justice Department’s commitment to countering hate-fueled threats. The Naval Criminal Investigative Service, FBI, ATF, and Homeland Security Investigations, alongside several U.S. Attorney’s Offices, cooperated in dismantling the domestic terrorist cell. FBI Director Christopher Wray noted that the FBI is committed to detecting and preventing acts of racially motivated violence, underscoring the broader efforts to protect U.S. national security from extremist threats (3).

AUSTRALIA

Sydney Restaurateur Charged for Public Display of Nazi Symbol

Alan Yazbek, a prominent Sydney restaurateur and founder of the Nomad Group, has been charged with publicly displaying a Nazi symbol during a pro-Palestine rally. Following protests sparked by recent Middle Eastern conflicts, New South Wales police arrested Yazbek and another man for allegedly displaying swastika symbols. Photos reportedly show Yazbek holding a sign resembling the Israeli flag but altered to include a swastika and the phrase “Stop Nazi Israel” (4).

Yazbek was charged under NSW laws prohibiting the display of Nazi symbols without legitimate excuse and is set to appear in court. The pro-Palestine rallies, which began after escalating hostilities between Israel and Gaza, have prompted extensive police involvement in Sydney, with NSW officials noting $5 million in associated costs this year.

First Person in Australia Faces Imprisonment for Nazi Salute Under New Law

Jacob Hersant is set to become the first person in Australia to serve prison time for performing a Nazi salute in public, following a new Victorian law banning the gesture. Magistrate Brett Sonnet confirmed on Wednesday that Hersant, 25, will face a “relatively modest” prison term, with sentencing set for October 23. While the exact length remains undecided, the maximum penalty is 12 months in prison and a fine of AU$24,000 ($16,177) (5). The incident occurred outside the Victoria County Court last year, shortly after Hersant’s conviction for causing violent disorder and just six days after the law banning the Nazi salute took effect.

Hersant’s lawyer argued for a lesser penalty, suggesting a fine of AU$1,500 ($1,012), claiming that the offense was on the lower end of the scale. However, prosecutor Daniel Gurvich countered this, deeming the gesture a serious offense deserving of prison time. Hersant had also stated to the media that he intended to continue giving the Nazi salute, despite the law.

Neo-Nazi Rally in NSW Sparks Call for National Anti-Racism Strategy

Australia’s Race Discrimination Commissioner, Giridharan Sivaraman, has strongly condemned a neo-Nazi rally held in Corowa, New South Wales, emphasizing the urgent need for a national anti-racism strategy. Around 50 masked individuals dressed in black displayed a neo-Nazi banner as they marched through the town, prompting an investigation by NSW Police. Sivaraman expressed alarm at the rally’s implications, warning it reflects the normalization of racism and white supremacy within society.

He stressed that systemic racism grants power and privilege to white Australians, and he highlighted the importance of language used by politicians and media to avoid emboldening far-right groups. The commissioner warned that without confronting racism’s roots, hate and violence may continue to escalate. The Australian Human Rights Commission plans to release its National Anti-Racism Framework on November 26, with insights from nationwide consultations with those affected by racism, aiming to foster dignity, respect, and equality for all Australians (6).

Corowa Community Rejects Neo-Nazi Propaganda as Police Investigate White Supremacist Flyers

Police have launched an investigation in Corowa, a town on the Victorian-NSW border after residents reported finding white supremacist flyers in their letterboxes. The two-page pamphlet, titled “Australia For The White Man,” was distributed shortly after a failed neo-Nazi rally in the town, alarming residents and prompting local condemnation. Community members, choosing anonymity for safety reasons, expressed their disgust and alerted NSW police. The Corowa Business Chamber voiced concern that such actions threaten community unity and could harm the local economy.

New South Wales Parliamentary Secretary for Multiculturalism, Mark Buttigieg, praised Corowa’s proactive stand against racism. In a bipartisan-supported motion, Buttigieg applauded Corowa for rejecting the rally’s divisive message and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to multiculturalism. “The community’s response sends a message that we value and embrace diversity,” he said, underscoring the importance of curbing racial hatred (7).

UNITED KINGDOM

White Supremacist Found Guilty of Attempted Murder in Attack on Asylum Seeker

Callum Ulysses Parslow, 32, has been found guilty of the attempted murder of Eritrean asylum seeker Nahom Hagos. Parslow attacked Hagos with a high-end knife at a hotel near Worcester, motivated by an intent to harm migrants arriving via small boat crossings, according to his statements in court. Following the attack, Parslow attempted to publish a manifesto online, tagging notable political figures and claiming his actions were a “duty to England” (8).

The trial revealed Parslow’s possession of extremist symbols, weapons, and neo-Nazi material. Hagos, who received medical treatment after being seriously injured, has recovered physically but continues to struggle with the emotional trauma. West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit described Parslow’s actions as “carefully planned.” He is scheduled for sentencing at Woolwich Crown Court, with details of the case recently made public following his guilty plea to additional charges under the Malicious Communications Act.

Graphical Analysis of Far-Right Terrorism in October 2024

In October 2024, far-right violence and terrorism continue to raise alarms globally, with eight reported incidents predominantly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia. These events underscore the persistent influence of far-right ideologies and the growing potential for violence they pose.

In the United States, recent cases reflect a disturbing trend of targeted attacks tied to extremist beliefs, while the UK and Australia have also faced similar threats, illustrating how far-right extremism is impacting regions with robust democratic institutions. This spread of ideologically driven violence in countries known for their political stability underlines the urgent need for vigilant counter-terrorism efforts and a strengthened commitment to addressing the root causes of such extremism.

In October 2024, far-right extremism remains a critical concern, with numerous trials taking place alongside several instances of incitement to violence and one notable arrest. These events highlight the enduring threat posed by extremist groups and their impact on public order and safety.

A particularly notable case involved a white supremacist found guilty of attempted murder in an attack on an asylum seeker, underscoring the violent nature of far-right extremism and the risks it poses to vulnerable communities. The combination of legal proceedings, provocative incidents, and targeted arrests this month highlights the broader challenge of addressing radicalization and extremist violence. As authorities continue to confront these threats, the need for vigilant, coordinated responses to far-right extremism is more pressing than ever.

Throughout October 2024, the landscape of far-right extremism remains deeply troubling, marked by an increase in violent incidents and growing social discord driven by white supremacist, Neo-Nazi, and other extreme right ideologies. These extremist beliefs have not only continued to target individuals based on race and ethnicity but have also expanded to include homophobic and xenophobic rhetoric, further intensifying their damaging effects on marginalized communities and society as a whole.

This month saw a particularly strong presence of race-based hate groups, with most incidents rooted in white supremacist and Neo-Nazi ideologies. This broadening scope of hatred highlights the strategic, divisive tactics employed by far-right movements to recruit and radicalize supporters across multiple fronts. By amplifying fears and targeting vulnerable populations, these groups seek to deepen social divides and undermine democratic principles. Their ability to adapt and spread a wider spectrum of hate ideologies demonstrates the urgency of comprehensive efforts to counteract the multifaceted threat they pose.

REFERENCES:

ABC. Verrender, I. (2024, October 24). Corowa residents disgusted after being targeted by white supremacy flyer. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-24/corowa-residents-targeted-white-supremacy-flyer/104510848

Australian Human Rights Commission. (2024, October 15). Race Discrimination Commissioner condemns neo-Nazi rally in regional NSW. Australian Human Rights Commission. https://humanrights.gov.au/about/news/media-releases/race-discrimination-commissioner-condemns-neo-nazi-rally-regional-nsw

BBC. Dawkins, A. (2024, October 25). White supremacist stabbed asylum seeker in Worcestershire country hotel. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjdl5y3y3mvo

Department of Justice. Office of Public Affairs. (2024, October 28). Defendants with Ties to White Supremacy Sentenced in Connection with Plot to Destroy Energy Facilities. https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/defendants-ties-white-supremacy-sentenced-connection-plot-destroy-energy-facilities-0

InDepthNH.org. West, N. (2024, October 3). Judge Denies Motion To Dismiss Civil Rights Complaint Against Neo-Nazi Group. https://indepthnh.org/2024/10/03/judge-denies-motion-to-dismiss-civil-rights-complaint-against-neo-nazi-group/

NBC News. AP. (2024, October 4). Black man details alleged beating at the hands of a white supremacist group in Boston. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/black-man-details-alleged-beating-hands-white-supremacist-group-boston-rcna174035

The Guardian. Shepherd, T. (2024, October 9). Sydney restaurateur Alan Yazbek charged over alleged display of Nazi symbol. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2024/oct/09/sydney-restaurateur-alan-yazbek-charged-over-alleged-display-of-nazi-symbol-ntwnfb

The New York Times. Ruberg, S. (2024, July 28). 3 Men With White Supremacist Ties Sentenced in  Plan to Attack Power Station. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/28/us/energy-grid-attack-plot-white-supremacy.html

The Times of Israel. McGuirk, R. (2024, October 9). Self-described Nazi set to become first Australian jailed for banned salute. https://www.timesofisrael.com/self-described-nazi-set-to-become-first-australian-jailed-for-banned-salute/