Melbourne man faces court for death threats and anti-Semitic comments
A Melbourne man has been charged with making death threats and anti-Semitic remarks to politicians. He faces multiple counts and will appear in court on April 8.
A Melbourne man will face court after he allegedly made death threats and anti-Semitic comments to federal and Victorian state politicians.
The Reservoir man, 33, 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.
In a joint operation, the AFP and Victoria Police investigated allegations that two politicians had been threatened or contacted by the man in January.
The AFP will allege in court that the man used social media and email to contact a NSW-based federal MP several times between January 16-18.
During these attempts of contact, the man allegedly made death threats and anti-Semitic comments to the federal politician.
Meanwhile, Victoria Police will allege the man also used social media to contact a Victorian-based state MP in January.
Police have since seized several electronic devices from the man's home.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command Assistant Commissioner Stephen Nutt said police would continue to tirelessly investigate anti-Semitic conduct.
“Anyone engaging in this type of deplorable behaviour will be investigated, located and brought before the court,” Assistant Commissioner Nutt said.
“Parliamentarians and members of our community should not have to endure vile threats based on their race, religion, or ethnicity.
“The community should expect further charges, given the experienced team working on Special Operation Avalite has a number of individuals under investigation.”
The man was granted conditional bail and will appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on April 8.
