Share and Follow
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has issued a stern warning to individuals harboring extremist ideologies after charging three men for allegedly threatening members of parliament. This marks a significant move by law enforcement to address rising concerns over political safety and extremism.
One of the men, identified as Davis, is accused of urging his followers to “rhetorically rape” MP Allegra Spender through online channels. This inflammatory rhetoric underscores the dangerous climate some politicians face and highlights the urgent need for stronger protective measures.
AFP Acting Assistant Commissioner Matthew Gale, speaking on the matter, detailed the recent developments. “Following an investigation by the National Security Investigations Team in New South Wales, a 30-year-old individual was arrested and charged for using a carriage service to harass a federal member of parliament,” Gale stated.
According to AFP allegations, the suspect disseminated a threatening message through an encrypted online platform, inciting others to direct abuse and hatred towards the MP. This message reportedly followed the MP’s outspoken criticism of a Nationalist Socialist Network protest in Sydney earlier this month.
The AFP’s response serves as a clear message that threats and intimidation towards elected officials will be met with decisive action, reflecting the broader commitment to safeguarding democratic institutions and the individuals who serve within them.
He is set to appear in court later today.
On Saturday, a separate investigation resulted in a 29-year-old man from NSW’s north being issued a court attendance notice for offences of allegedly making online threats to an Australian high office holder.
“We will allege the man used an online website portal to make threatening and harassing comments towards the high office holder,” Gale said.
The man is scheduled to appear in court in January next year.
This morning, the National Security Investigations Team in Victoria executed a search warrant as part of an investigation into a man who is alleged to have used a carriage service to harass a federal member of parliament.
“A man has now been arrested and charged with using a carriage service to harass a federal member of parliament,” the AFP said.
“These three incidents are an example of the challenges we face in combating those who are seeking to damage our social cohesion.
“There are current and emerging individuals and groups who are eroding our country’s social fabric by advocating hatred, fear, and humiliation, and the AFP once again is putting them on notice.”
Gale said there was no place for hate or violence in Australia and that the AFP is focused on defending Australia from potential threats in the future.
“If you wish to share extremist views that seek to erode the social fabric of our community, the AFP activity this week is a very explicit warning,” he said.
“Threats against federal parliamentarians is a significant issue for us.
“We are on the record previously talking about the year-on-year increase that we’re seeing in relation to threats, it’s at 63 per cent over the last four years now.”
The maximum penalty for the charges carries five years imprisonment.
The neo-Nazi rally held on November 8 sparked outrage and calls for tougher laws, with questions on how the group was allowed to protest outside NSW parliament.