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Australian nazi leader faces trial over attack on sacred Aboriginal site

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Thomas Sewell leads attack on Indigenous People's camp in Melbourne
Thomas Sewell leads attack on Indigenous People’s camp in Melbourne

Thomas Sewell, the leader of the now-disbanded National Socialist Network (NSN), has been committed to stand trial over a violent attack on a major First Nations sacred site in Melbourne last August.

Sewell appeared via video link at Melbourne Magistrates Court today where he pleaded not guilty to five charges including violent disorder, affray and unlawful assault.

Evidence for conviction

Prosecutors had originally brought more than 20 charges against him, but withdrew the majority during the hearing. Magistrate Donna Bakos ruled the remaining evidence was sufficient to support a conviction.

Jacob hersant and nathan Bull at Anzac ceremony
Nathan Bull, centre, one an NSN group disrupting an Anzac Day ceremony

Co-accused Nathan Bull, who faces separate charges for disrupting an Anzac Day memorial ceremony last April, was also committed for trial.

Footage of the 31 August incident showed approximately 40 men dressed in black, many linked to the NSN, storming the Indigenous site at Camp Sovereignty, following a series of anti-immigration rallies.

Urged forward

Prosecutors allege Sewell urged the group forward before occupants were held down, kicked and struck with poles. At least seven people were assaulted. One woman required staples in her scalp to close a wound.

Thomas Sewell leads attack on Indigenous People's camp in Melbourne
Thomas Sewell leads attack on Indigenous People’s camp in Melbourne

Sewell was previously held for 72 days before being granted bail in November on a $20,000 surety.

The NSN announced its disbandment in January 2026, citing forthcoming federal hate crime legislation specifically targeting the organisation.

Separate hearing

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke named the NSN when announcing the proposed laws. Sewell signed that announcement while on bail.

Others charged in connection with the attack face a separate committal hearing at magistrates court in May. One defendant, Jaeden Johnson, has already pleaded guilty.

Tomas Sewell interviewed by mark Collett
Tomas Sewell interviewed by mark Collett

Under Sewell, the NSN developed close ties with British far-right figures, with Sewell appearing a number of times on Patriotic Alternative leader Mark Collett’s online Patriotic Weekly Review, and Collett has raised funds for Sewell and other defendants in the Camp Sovereignty case.

NSN was also cited as an inspiration by the performative nazis of White Vanguard.

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