Fact Check: "Counter-terrorism sanctions imposed on Terrorgram in February"
What We Know
On February 3, 2025, the Australian Government announced the imposition of counter-terrorism financing sanctions on the online network known as Terrorgram. This network is identified as promoting white supremacy and racially-motivated violence. The sanctions make it a criminal offense to use or deal with the assets of Terrorgram, with penalties including up to 10 years in prison and/or heavy fines (source-1). This action marks the first time any Australian government has applied such sanctions to an entity that operates entirely online (source-1).
In an interview, Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed the government's stance on Terrorgram, stating that it is an online network facilitating white supremacists and terrorists. She emphasized the government's commitment to keeping Australians safe from rising extremism and antisemitism (source-2).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim that counter-terrorism sanctions were imposed on Terrorgram is robust. The official media release from the Australian Government clearly states the sanctions and outlines the legal implications for those involved with the network (source-1). Furthermore, the interview with Foreign Minister Penny Wong corroborates this information, providing additional context about the government's motivations and the nature of the threat posed by Terrorgram (source-2).
Both sources are credible, coming directly from the Australian Government and a reputable news outlet (ABC News). The media release is an official document, while the interview provides a platform for government officials to communicate their policies directly to the public. There are no indications of bias in these sources, as they focus on factual reporting of the government's actions and statements.
Conclusion
The claim that counter-terrorism sanctions were imposed on Terrorgram in February is True. The evidence from official government sources and media interviews confirms that the Australian Government has enacted these sanctions as part of its ongoing efforts to combat extremism and protect public safety.
