A far-right anti-immigration protester disrupted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia by shouting abusive slogans at him inside a Melbourne hotel shortly after the Indian leader arrived for his two-day visit. The same individual also attempted to interrupt Modi’s address to the Indian diaspora at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium the following day, but his efforts failed as supporters drowned out the protest with music and celebrations.
The protester was identified as Hugo Lennon, a 22-year-old far-right influencer who reportedly operates online under the name “Auspill”. Videos circulating on social media showed Lennon shouting anti-India and anti-immigration slogans from an upper floor of the hotel as Modi walked along a red carpet in the lobby.
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Victoria Police quickly intervened, removing Lennon from the premises without incident. Authorities later confirmed that a man had been escorted away after shouting political statements, though they did not explain how he gained access to the hotel or learned of Modi’s location.
Australian media described Lennon as a figure associated with neo-Nazi and white nationalist circles. Reports also linked him to the “March for Australia”, a series of anti-immigration demonstrations held across the country last year.
On Thursday, Lennon led another protest outside Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium, where Modi addressed thousands of members of the Indian diaspora alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Protesters displayed banners carrying anti-immigration messages and shouted slogans at people entering the venue.
However, the demonstration had little impact on the event. Supporters responded by chanting patriotic slogans, while musical performances created a festive atmosphere that drowned out the protesters. A traditional Indian drumming group positioned itself near the protesters, making it difficult for Lennon to continue his speech. He eventually abandoned the attempt and left the venue.
Despite the brief disruptions, Prime Minister Modi’s engagements, including bilateral talks with Albanese and his address to the Indian community, proceeded as scheduled, with the protests failing to affect the official programme or the large diaspora gathering.
