A young pregnant Australian woman has expressed her disbelief and shock as she was arrested and charged with inciement.
Victorian Police came into her home just after 3pm on Saturday (29 August) and indicated they would be taking her to a local police station for questioning.
The 28-year-old was taken into custody for allegedly encouraging friends to attend an anti-lockdown demonstration on Facebook.
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She decided to live-stream the whole thing and you can hear the shock in her voice when she's issued a search warrant, asking police: "What on Earth?"
The woman is accused of creating a Facebook event for this Saturday (5 September) titled 'Freedom Day Ballarat', which was billed as a 'peaceful protest'.
"As some of you may have seen the government has gone to extreme measures and are using scare tactics through the media to prevent the Melbourne protest," the description says.
"Here in Ballarat we can be a voice for those in stage 4 lockdowns. We can be seen and heard and hopefully make a difference!"
"END LOCKDOWNS, STAND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, WE LIVE IN A 'FREE COUNTRY'."
Officers seized devices from the woman's home as someone filmed the whole thing. The 28-year-old pleads with officers and offers to take the Facebook post down.
The woman said to officers: "I wasn't breaking any laws by doing that."
The officer replies: "You are, actually, you are. That's why I'm arresting you."
A Victoria Police spokesperson told LADbible: "Victoria Police is aware of a prohibited gathering which is planned for Ballarat on Saturday.
"Any gathering of this nature is in blatant breach of the Chief Health Officer's directions and puts Victorian lives at risk. Victoria Police has already taken action as part of an ongoing investigation into the planning and encouragement of protest activity in Ballarat.
"Police executed a search warrant at a Miners Rest address this afternoon and a mobile device was seized.
"As a result, a 28-year old female has been charged with the offence of incitement and has been bailed to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on 25 January 2021.
"Those still thinking of attending the protest in Ballarat on Saturday can expect a swift and firm response from police. We will have no hesitation in issuing $1,652 fines to anyone who is breaching the restrictions on the day, or making arrests if necessary."
Featured Image Credit: 9News