A man has been denied bail after being charged with inciting hatred through an antisemitic speech at a March for Australia anti-immigration rally in Sydney. Police allege the man, Brandan Koschel, has links to the disbanded neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network (NSN).
Immediate Action & Core Facts
Brandan Koschel, 31, was arrested following a speech at the March for Australia rally in Sydney on Monday. He was charged under section 93ZAA of the Crimes Act for publicly inciting hatred on the grounds of race. Police opposed his bail, citing risks to community safety and the likelihood of further offenses.
Magistrate Daniel Covington denied bail, stating the alleged ideologies and comments made it difficult to impose conditions that would protect the community. Koschel remains in custody.
Deeper Dive & Context
Alleged Neo-Nazi Links
Police allege Koschel was a member of the NSN, a neo-Nazi group that disbanded last Sunday ahead of legislation banning hate groups. Investigators cited his attendance at the rally with known NSN associates and his attire—a black shirt with a white Celtic cross, a neo-Nazi symbol—as evidence.
During his speech, Koschel allegedly referenced former NSN leader Thomas Sewell and called for the release of Joel Davis, who is in custody for allegedly threatening independent MP Allegra Spender.
Speech and Dissemination
The speech was delivered via a PA system at the rally, which drew hundreds of attendees. Police noted the speech had a broader reach due to its dissemination on YouTube and X (formerly Twitter). Prosecutors described it as a "brazen and public incitement of hatred toward the Jewish community."
Legal and Community Response
Koschel’s lawyer, Jasmine Lau, argued in court but did not dispute the charges. The case highlights ongoing concerns about hate speech and extremist rhetoric at public rallies. The NSN’s disbandment follows federal legislation outlawing hate groups, raising questions about enforcement and monitoring of such organizations.