Melbourne man charged for allegedly making death threats to Pauline Hanson
A Melbourne man has been charged after he allegedly made death threats towards One Nation leader Pauline Hanson on social media.
The 27-year-old Brunswick West man was arrested by federal police at his home on Friday morning and has been charged with two counts of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
He was released on bail and will reappear in court in December.
While police only identified the victim as a senator, 9News has confirmed the alleged target of the threats was Hanson.
Police allege he made “serious online threats”, including death threats, towards the senator over the past two months.
His laptop and desktop computer were seized by police.
The maximum penalty for the offences he has been charged with include 10 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Anita van Hilst said there was no tolerance of politicians being threatened online.
“This arrest should send a strong message that the AFP and its partners are working tirelessly to identify and prosecute anyone who breaks the law by harassing, menacing or threatening politicians, including those who work alongside them,” she said.
“The AFP supports the political expression and freedom of speech, however when it leads to criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, even online, it will not be tolerated.”
A spokesperson for Senator Hanson has declined to comment.
