The leader of a group of neo-Nazis who were arrested after marching through the Adelaide CBD has told a court that they have been subject to “outright political persecution by the South Australian police force”. Thomas Sewell, 31, is among a group of 17 members of the National Socialist Network who were arrested in Adelaide over the Australia Day long weekend and charged with various offences including failing to cease loitering and displaying a Nazi symbol. During his first appearance in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Tuesday, Mr Sewell refused to sign his bail forms despite Magistrate Luke Davis telling him he would free him from custody with strict conditions. (…) Speaking outside court, Joel Davis, a supporter of the men and member of the National Socialist Network, told the media he did not understand why the men had been held in custody since Sunday. “People commit violent offences and get granted bail on the same day — it’s ridiculous,” he said. “I don’t believe they have broken the law — I think they will beat the charges in court.” He told the media that he believed the man charged with displaying a Nazi symbol had a tattoo of insignia on his arm.
via abc: SA Police arrest man for allegedly displaying Nazi symbol as 14 neo-Nazis granted bail