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Woman Arrested And Charged With Incitement Over Anti-Lockdown Event Facebook Post

Woman Arrested And Charged With Incitement Over Anti-Lockdown Event Facebook Post

The woman was arrested for allegedly encouraging friends to attend an anti-lockdown demonstration through Facebook

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

A woman was arrested by police in Australia over an anti-lockdown Facebook post, and was charged with incitement.

According to 9News, the 28-year-old live-streamed her arrest on Facebook as police raided her home in Ballarat, Victoria.

The woman, who is said to be pregnant, was arrested for allegedly encouraging friends to attend an anti-lockdown demonstration through Facebook.

The detectives stormed her home just after 3pm on Saturday (29 August), with officers heard telling her she was 'under arrest in relation to incitement'.

In the clip, the woman appears to be in shock as she's issued a search warrant, asking police: "What on Earth?"

She had allegedly created a Facebook event for 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.

9News

"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!"

It adds: "END LOCKDOWNS, STAND FOR HUMAN RIGHTS, WE LIVE IN A 'FREE COUNTRY'."

In the footage, officers begin to seize devices from the woman's home, while someone believed to be her partner films the exchange.

The woman says she doesn't believe she's broken any laws, and even offers to take the post down.

"I wasn't breaking any laws by doing that," she says to an officer, who replies: "You are, actually, you are.

"That's why I'm arresting you."

9News

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

Topics: World News, lockdown, News, Facebook, Australia