The Australian government has deported American YouTuber Nicolas Kenn De Balinthazy, known online as Sneako, and imposed a permanent ban preventing him from ever returning to the country. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the decision, stating that Australia is a better country without the divisive internet personality.
Visa Cancellation Under New Laws
According to a report by Sky News Australia, Burke said the government will use its power to protect the community. The Australian government canceled Sneako's visa on Tuesday evening following a review by the Department of Home Affairs. The cancellation was carried out under legislative amendments passed by Parliament earlier this year, which now carry a lifetime ban.
Our government has made it very clear we will use every power available to us to protect our community from people coming to this country to spread hatred. The clauses used to cancel this visa were amended by Parliament early this year, Burke said. That means it is not simply the current visa that is canceled; there is now a lifetime ban preventing him from ever applying for another visa to Australia. We are a better country when he is somewhere else, Burke added.
Immediate Deportation Ordered
Sneako was ordered to leave the country immediately. Officials noted that if he had refused, he would have been placed in immigration detention. The decision received support from across the political spectrum. Senator Jonathon Duniam had previously called the visa approval a sign of a broken system, describing Sneako as a strange character who should never have been allowed entry.
For anyone who goes and Googles this individual, this strange character, is a misogynist. He praises Hitler. He is an antisemite, Duniam told the publication.
Controversial Statements
Sneako has been banned from multiple social media platforms due to his controversial statements against certain communities. Evidence presented during the visa review included various video clips of the YouTuber. The government's crackdown on hate speech was a key factor in the decision.
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