Lidia Thorpe confirms she is the subject of violent online threats allegedly made by a man arrested by police

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has identified herself as the federal MP who received threats online in a menacing video.

The Australian Federal Police charged a Melbourne man, 30, last June with using a coach service to threaten, harass or cause offense after he allegedly threatened a member of parliament in a video.

The AFP had launched an investigation into the video in January 2022, after receiving a complaint from an MP about it.

On Saturday, The age revealed that it was allegedly endangered Member of Parliament Lidia Thorpe.

“The senator will not be commenting further on this matter due to the ongoing physical effects of a car accident she was involved in last month,” a spokesperson for her office told the publication.

“The senator is experiencing significant complications from the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.”

Police allege the 30-year-old man produced and shared a video that “contains threats of violence against a federal member of parliament.”

Police seized three of his electronic devices during a search of his home in Mernda, Melbourne’s northeast, last June. These devices would contain evidence of the production of the video.

Commander Stephen Nutt said the AFP used advanced technology to track down the alleged perpetrator.

“The AFP supports political expression and freedom of expression, but if it leads to criminal behavior – including threats and intimidation – it will not be tolerated,” he said.

The Melbourne man will be arraigned in Heidelberg District Court on September 20.

If found guilty, he faces up to five years in prison.