Anonymous letters push racist views

By Michael Inman
Updated November 7 2012 - 10:45am, first published March 9 2008 - 11:30pm
NEGATIVE MAIL: Respected volunteer Erwin Richter with anonymous letters sent to him vilifying African refugees in Wagga. Picture: Les Smith
NEGATIVE MAIL: Respected volunteer Erwin Richter with anonymous letters sent to him vilifying African refugees in Wagga. Picture: Les Smith

Racist websites Downunder News Links and US based Stormfront have both seized on an alleged incident reported by The Daily Advertiser involving African refugees.Contributors to the sites, hiding behind alias such as “Wodensvolk”, “Fuelforwar” and “Australia’s Last Fight” use the internet to push their racist views, claiming Africans are violent and unable to fit into Australian society, while predicting Australia will be overrun by multiculturalism.Prominent Wagga volunteer Erwin Richter said he was concerned Wagga was being associated with racism.Mr Richter, who volunteers as a refugee resettlement coordinator, reported receiving letters and phone calls, blaming him for bringing African refugees to the Riverina and telling him to “back off”.“It’s alarming it’s spread,” he said.“I’m not going to back off and when you get something like this (letters) it makes you more determined.”Mr Richter challenged individuals attacking any cultural group to contact him, rather than pushing racist views from a safe distance.“I challenge the letter writers to come forward and speak to me rather than hide behind anonymity,” he said.“It’s disturbing that people ram them all into one category.“The African community is devastated and extremely concerned about the negativity.”Wagga crime manager Detective Inspector Rod Smith warned those found to be guilty of racial abuse could face prosecution.“It is unlawful and we consider it offensive,” he said.“Regardless of race, colour or religion police will investigate all allegations of crime without discrimination.“If a person is found to have committed an offence they will be dealt with.”

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