A Victorian man has been charged with allegedly making death threats and antisemitic comments to members of the Commonwealth and Victorian Parliaments.
The Reservoir man was charged on Thursday with four counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, and one count of using a carriage service to threaten to kill.
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It’s alleged the man, 33, used social media and emails to contact a New South Wales-based Commonwealth MP between January 16-18 making death threats and antisemitic comments. Victoria Police also allege the man used social media to contact a Victorian-based State MP>
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said investigations would conitnue ‘tirelessly’ into antisemitic conduct.
“Anyone engaging in this type of deplorable behaviour will be investigated, located and brought before the court,” he said.
“Parliamentarians and members of our community should not have to endure vile threats based on their race, religion, or ethnicity.”
Special Operation Avaliate and Victoria Police executed a search waarant on Thursday and seized several devices as part of investigations.
“The community should expect further charges, given the experienced team working on Special Operation Avalite has a number of individuals under investigation,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
The man was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to appear before Melbourne magistrates Courh on April 8.
If you have witnessed or suspect antisemitism activity, call the 24-hour National Security Hotline 1800 123 400.
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