A 41-year-old man from Victoria is facing charges for allegedly issuing death threats and making antisemitic remarks towards a federal MP, whose identity has not been disclosed. These threats are said to have been made through social media between January 7 and February 19.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) executed a raid at the man’s residence in Officer and confiscated an electronic device during the operation. He has been charged with two serious offences under Commonwealth law.
This arrest follows the AFP’s Special Operation Avalite, which investigates severe allegations such as inciting violence against various groups, doxxing, and promoting prohibited symbols or acts of terrorism and genocide. AFP Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt highlighted the ongoing commitment to address antisemitic behaviour and threats against elected officials.
He stated that individuals participating in such reprehensible acts should anticipate legal actions. Nutt firmly asserted that no one, whether a public figure or a civilian, should tolerate abusive threats rooted in race, religion, or ethnic backgrounds. He emphasised a zero-tolerance stance towards antisemitism within the Australian community.
The charges brought against the suspect include one count of using a carriage service to menace and one for threatening to cause serious harm to a Commonwealth official. If convicted, he faces maximum penalties of up to five and seven years in prison, respectively. The accused is scheduled to appear in Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on June 19.