An Auburn man is scheduled to appear in Burwood Local Court today (27 March, 2023), for allegedly sending emails threating to seriously harm Federal parliamentarians.
The AFP will allege that between October 2022 and February 2023, the man sent 18 harassing and menacing emails to a number of Commonwealth public officials, including elected representatives.
The man, 54, was spoken to by police on 28 February, 2023, where he allegedly agreed not to make any further threats.
The AFP was notified last Friday (24 March, 2023) that the man had allegedly continued to issue threats, including threats of violence.
Police executed a search warrant at the man's home that same day, arresting him and seizing a mobile phone and notebook.
The man was charged with two offences and appeared before a Parramatta court on Saturday (25 March, 2023), where he was remanded in custody to appear in court today.
Detective Superintendent Craig Bellis said the AFP was committed to protecting all members of the Australian public, including those serving the community.
"Hiding behind a keyboard to issue threats against politicians does not ensure anonymity," Det-Supt Bellis said.
"The AFP supports political expression and freedom of speech, but when it leads to criminal behaviour - including threats and harassment - it will not be tolerated.
"The AFP has world-leading technology and skills to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening to kill Commonwealth officials."
The man was charged with:
- Threatening to cause harm to Commonwealth public official, contrary to section 147.2(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth); and
- Using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence, contrary to section 474.17(1) of the Criminal Code 1995 (Cth).
The maximum penalty for these offences is nine and five years' imprisonment, respectively.
