International links to alleged Christchurch terrorist no surprise, says expert

Far right groups here say they are heading underground due to the increased scrutiny.

An expert on far right movements says it's no surprise international links to the alleged Christchurch terrorist have been revealed.

Austrian authorities have raided the home of a far-right leader after the discovery of a substantial donation from the alleged Christchurch shooter.

Martin Sellner says he didn't know the man now in custody in New Zealand and has given conflicting accounts on his YouTube page about when the donation was made to his movement.

But Professor Paul Spoonley says the proliferation of online groups with far right, white supremacist views means it's much easier for these groups to communicate.

Some New Zealand far right groups say they are closing down or going underground due to the scrutiny now on them.

Security Intelligence Minister Andrew Little has confirmed there is more surveillance of some groups since the March 15 attacks.

Professor Spoonley says while the groups may go quiet for now, he expects they will rise up again in the next six to 12 months.

He also says anyone who thinks anti-Islam sentiment has gone away because of the outpouring of grief in Christchurch is dreaming, because it's clear even from abuse he receives that those views are still shared by some.

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