• In short: The AFP has charged a man over alleged threats of violence against independent senator Lidia Thorpe following a year-long investigation
• What’s next? The man will face court next month

Federal police have charged a man for allegedly creating an offensive online video about Australian senator Lidia Thorpe, including threats of violence. 

The AFP launched an investigation into the video in January 2022 and on Friday announced a 30-year-old man was facing one charge of harassment. 

Ms Thorpe, who is in an independent senator in federal parliament, on Saturday identified herself as the subject of the alleged violent threats. 

The AFP said investigators searched the man’s home in the suburb of Mernda in Melbourne’s north on June 2 last year. 

Officers seized three electronic devices they allege contain evidence of the man’s role in producing and publishing the video. 

“Senator Lidia Thorpe can confirm that she is the senator referred to in the statement,” her spokesperson said. 

Ms Thorpe would not be making any further comments on the matter because of injuries received in a car accident she was involved in last month, the spokesperson said.

“The senator is experiencing significant complications as a result of the accident and is undergoing medical treatment,” they said.

“We request that you respect the senator’s privacy as she works to heal and recover.”

AFP commander Stephen Nutt said the AFP took all reports regarding the safety 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”, he said.

The man charged with threatening Ms Thorpe is expected to face Heidelberg Magistrate’s Court on September 20. 

The maximum jail time for the alleged offence is five years.