Australia hits right-wing online network 'Terrorgram' with sanctions

SYDNEY (Reuters) -Australia on Monday imposed sanctions on extreme right-wing online network "Terrorgram" as part of its efforts to combat a rise in antisemitism and online extremism, following similar moves by Britain and the United States.

Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the government's action would make it a criminal offence to engage with "Terrorgram" and help prevent children from becoming caught up in far-right extremism.

"Terrorgram is an online network that promotes white supremacy and racially-motivated violence," Wong said in a statement.

"It is the first time any Australian Government has imposed counterterrorism financing sanctions on an entity based entirely online."

Offenders will face up to 10 years in jail and heavy fines, she said.

The Australian government also renewed sanctions on four right-wing groups: the National Socialist Order, the Russian Imperial Movement, Sonnenkrieg Division and The Base, Wong said.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration in January designated "Terrorgram," which primarily operates on the Telegram social media site, accusing it of promoting violent white supremacy. Britain in April made it a criminal offense in the country to belong to or promote the group.

In a statement, Telegram said calls to violence have no place on its platform.

"Moderators removed several channels that used variations of the 'Terrorgram' name when they were discovered years ago. Similar content is banned whenever it appears," it said.

Australia has also seen an escalating series of attacks on synagogues, buildings and cars since the Israel-Gaza war began in October 2023, sparking fear among Australia's nearly 115,000 Jewish people.

Police last week arrested members of a neo-Nazi group in the South Australian city of Adelaide when the country marked its National Day, and charged a man for displaying a Nazi symbol.

(Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Diane Craft and Edwina Gibbs)