‘Absolute disgrace’: Greens MP blasted for criticising police crackdown

Greens MP for Richmond Gabrielle de Vietri has been slammed as “delusional” and told to resign after revealing where police were setting up a “designated” weapons search area in her suburb.

Greens MP for Richmond Gabrielle de Vietri has been labelled a “disgrace” and “delusional” for revealing where police were setting up a “designated area” in her suburb, calling the initiative “anti-democratic”.

Ms de Vietri shared a post on Facebook on Tuesday night, the day before Victoria Police’s Omni Operation was set to take place in the area Wednesday afternoon.

“Police have declared parts of Richmond and Collingwood a Designated Area on the 5th of March,” she wrote. “What does this mean?”.

“A designated area allows police to detain and search anyone in that area for weapons without forming reasonable grounds first. They can also ask for ID, for you to leave the area or to remove face coverings.

“Police can do this under section 10 of the Control of Weapons Act 1990.

“Some key things to remember, if you are under 12 police cannot search you, you may request details of police officers — name, rank, place of duty when being searched and you can request your search notice in writing.

“These laws are anti-democratic and the powers are often applied in discriminatory ways and breach international human rights.”

Greens MP for Richmond Gabrielle de Vietri has been labelled a ‘disgrace’ and ‘delusional’. Picture: Facebook

Ms de Vietri’s post was met with mixed reactions online with many calling her out for not caring about the violence and crime gripping the state.

“You are an absolute disgrace,” one person said. “Your comments do zero to reduce crime in Victoria. Resign.”

“Here is a thought: how about you govern for people who do not break the law,” another said. “I cannot believe politicians govern for law breakers and not law abiding citizens.

“Please ask yourself why you are a politician if you cannot protect the innocent.”

One commenter slammed Ms de Vietri’s claims it is a breach of human rights when Melburnians live in fear every night.

“HUMAN RIGHTS!!!,” they wrote. “What about the human rights of the hundreds of people who’ve been the victims of AGGRAVATED HOME INVASIONS?

“What about the people who’ve HAD THEIR CARS STOLEN?”

Gabrielle de Vietri’s social posts have been blasted. Picture: Ian Currie

Victoria Police released a statement on Wednesday morning announcing the “designated area” as they look to crack down on violent crime in the city.

“Victoria Police is conducting a highly visible Omni Operation across the Yarra area this afternoon, Wednesday 5 March,” it read.

“Under the Control of Weapons Act, police have declared Yarra a designated area which means we can stop and search anyone for illegal weapons.

“During the course of these searches, police will also be looking for any other illegal items including those carrying large quantities of drugs.

“These operations are about sending a clear message to a small section of the community who choose to carry weapons that it won’t be tolerated and you’ll be held to account.”

Nine people were arrested and weapons, including a machete, were seized during the comprehensive operation on Wednesday.

Officers conducted close to 300 wand searches around Yarra, with stationary units set up outside train stations and tram stops, as well as several roving units.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said a machete, knuckle dusters, a flick knife and a small quantity of drugs were seized throughout the afternoon from officers wandering the streets.

“Nine people were arrested across the Richmond, Collingwood and Fitzroy areas,” the spokeswoman said.

“Those arrested were for offences including armed robbery, outstanding warrants, possess weapons and drugs.”

Police affirmed such operations, that run statewide, help keep the community safe and deter those carrying weapons in public.

Despite the extensive resources deployed as part of the operation, locals in the Yarra area believe more could have been done to stamp out rampant criminality affecting the community.

North Richmond resident Sharon Neven, 60, said the response from police had been “lacklustre” on Wednesday, accusing officers of standing around in the shade while possible offenders wandered by.

“This is taxpayers’ money being funded for this 12-hour operation and when you alert (police) that there are people dealing drugs around the corner … you’d expect that they’d go around and have a look,” Ms Neven said.

Originally published as ‘Absolute disgrace’: Greens MP blasted for criticising police crackdown