The 27-year-old Brunswick West man was arrested by federal police at his home this morning and has been charged with two counts of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill and using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
He is due to front Melbourne Magistrates’ Court this evening.
Police allege he made “serious online threats”, including death threats, towards a member of the Australian Senate this month and last month.
HIs laptop and desktop computer have been seized by police.
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The maximum penalty for the offences he has been charged with include 10 years’ imprisonment.
AFP Acting Commander Anita van Hilst said there was no tolerance of politicians being threatened online.
“This arrest should send a strong message that the AFP and its partners are working tirelessly to identify and prosecute anyone who breaks the law by harassing, menacing or threatening politicians, including those who work alongside them,” she said.
“The AFP supports the political expression and freedom of speech, however when it leads to criminal behaviour, including threats and harassment, even online, it will not be tolerated.”
