National Socialist Network or

National Nazi Network?

There were some arrests at a march in the CBD over the weekend. They related to a small group of people who have been labelled "Nazis" or at least "Nazi like" by some. Certainly their views would be considered extreme right wing.

One of the group has refused bail and chosen to stay in prison rather than recognise the authority of the court. It is very likely he wants to be seen as a "martyr" for his cause. While those of his fellow protestors who were arrested have accepted bail conditions he has not. 

I wonder where this is going to end. What these protestors believe is not what I believe at all and it is not what anyone I know believes. At the same time I suspect more people share their beliefs than many others realise. I am also concerned that more people will move further to the right if they feel the arrests were unjustified or that other protest groups are being treated differently.

And there is an argument to suggest that there are groups being treated differently. There have been weeks and weeks now of anti-Israel pro-Gaza protests. They have continued even after a ceasefire. They have continued even though the Jewish community has been targetted over and over again. Yesterday there were reports of a caravan "filled with explosives" being found and information suggesting it was intended to be used outside a synagogue.  It is likely that no such act was intended but the presence of the caravan was intended to stir up more trouble. 

Those who organise these protest marches and who commit any number of acts which are designed to spread hate are not even being pulled up, let alone arrested. There seems to be a concern that doing so might cause more violence. At the same time others are being told, "Don't protest. Keep silent." Flying the national flag is something that needs to be thought about, not simply something a citizen has the right to do.  Vandalising buildings and statues is not condoned but the reporting of such suggests a certain sympathy towards the perpetrators.

I do not know what the answer to all this is but I do believe protestors need to be treated equally under the law. If someone, however much we agree or disagree with their views, is advocating violence then we need to act. If you choose to "protest" in a public way then do so without causing harm. Violence is never the answer.