A man will front court today after allegedly threatening a federal politician before this year’s election.
The Australian Federal Police launched an investigation in March after discovering alleged threats being made against the MP, who has not been identified, on social media.
The AFP allegedly linked a man from Kingswood, in Sydney’s west, to the social media account making the threats.
Officers executed a search warrant on the home on May 7.
The man’s electronic devices were seized during the search and the man was issued with a court attendance notice to face one count of threatening to cause harm to a public official.
Acting Commander Mark Baron said the AFP supports free speech, but threats would not be tolerated.
“The AFP supports freedom of speech and political expression, but I want to make it clear we will never tolerate criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment,” Baron said.
The accused man will front Sydney’s Downing Centre Local Court today.
If convicted, he faces up to nine years in prison.
