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A man has been accused of making a death threat and antisemitic comments towards one federal and one Victorian state MP.
The 33-year-old, from Reservoir in Melbourne’s north, 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.
Both charges carry a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.
The man allegedly used social media to make death threats and antisemitic comments to the NSW-based federal MP several times between January 16-18.
He is also accused of using social media to contact a Victorian-based state MP in the same month.
A search warrant was executed by Australian Federal Police and Victoria Police at the man’s home on Thursday and several electronic devices were seized.
AFP Counter Terrorism and Special Investigations Command assistant commissioner Stephen Nutt said the charges should be a warning for anyone considering similar 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.
“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 is scheduled to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 8 April.
