still from the news report of Cottrell's interview

Channel Seven ‘crossed a line’ with neo-Nazi interview

Channel Seven has copped intense backlash after interviewing a convicted racist and arsonist for his thoughts on Victoria’s so-called African gangs crisis.

On Sunday, Seven News Melbourne aired an “exclusive” story about “right-wing activists” meeting in response to a series of recent crimes carried out by young men.

Journalist Jodi Lee said she had been given exclusive access to the meeting, before crossing to a pre-recorded interview with United Patriots leader Blair Cottrell. Cottrell has previously spent time in prison for property damage and last year became one of the first Victorians to be convicted under the state’s new racial vilification laws.

The United Patriots leader has previously called for a picture of Hitler to be hung in every classroom. The Seven News report did not disclose Cottrell’s past convictions.

 

Read the full article by Broede Carmody at the Sydney Morning Herald.