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Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has identified herself as the federal MP who was the target of alleged threats in an online video last year.
More than 18 months after the investigation began, the Australian Federal Police charged a 30-year-old Melbourne man in relation to the video on Friday.
The AFP said investigators searched the man’s home at Mernda in Melbourne’s north on June 2 last year.
Police seized three electronic devices which allegedly contained evidence of the man’s involvement in producing and publishing the video.
“Senator Lidia Thorpe can confirm that she is the senator referred to in the statement,” a spokesperson for Thorpe said in a statement on Friday night.
Thorpe’s office said she would not make any further comments due to ongoing physical impacts resulting from a car accident she was involved in last month.
“The senator is experiencing significant complications as a result of the accident and is undergoing medical treatment,” the spokesperson said.
“We request that you respect the senator’s privacy as she works to heal and recover.”
AFP commander Stephen Nutt said the law enforcement agency took all reports about the safety and security of Australian high-office holders seriously.
“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,” Nutt said.
The Melbourne man is charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence.
