A South African national who took part in a widely condemned neo-Nazi demonstration in Sydney has arrived back in Johannesburg after being deported by Australian authorities.
Matthew Gruter, 35, was removed from the country following a decision by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke to cancel his visa on character grounds.
Gruter was photographed among members of the far-right National Socialist Network (NSN) outside the New South Wales Parliament during a protest where participants displayed an openly anti-Jewish banner reading “Abolish the Jewish lobby.” The incident generated strong political and community backlash across Australia, with leaders denouncing the rally as an unacceptable display of hateful extremist ideology.
After living in Australia for approximately three years, Gruter was transferred to the Villawood immigration detention centre pending removal. He remained in detention for several weeks while his case was reviewed, before boarding a flight back to South Africa on Thursday. He travelled with his wife, Nathalie Faydherbe, and their one-month-old child.
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, Gruter attempted to conceal his face behind luggage as reporters approached him. According to South African media, he became visibly agitated, accusing journalists of endangering his family. At one point, a confrontation with a photographer nearly escalated into physical conflict.
“All those rapists get to stay. I get detained for six hours and they cancel my visa,” Gruter said, claiming that he had merely been “standing there” at the rally and was unfairly targeted. His comments echoed previous statements from NSN supporters who have attempted to minimise their involvement in extremist activities.
The Australian government defended its decision, with Minister Burke stating that Australia “will not tolerate individuals who promote hatred, violence or extremist ideologies.” He emphasised that visa holders are expected to meet strict behavioural standards, and participation in a neo-Nazi demonstration contravenes those expectations.
The rally in question triggered nationwide concern about the growing visibility of extremist groups. Several political leaders have urged stronger laws to combat hate-based movements and to prevent Australia from becoming a safe haven for far-right networks.
Gruter’s deportation marks one of the strongest actions taken by the federal government in recent years in relation to extremist foreign nationals. Officials say further cancellations could follow if similar cases arise.
