Counter-terror arrest protester after Andrews death threat

A man has been hit with an explosives charge after he allegedly instructed protesters how to make Molotov cocktails and posted the Premier’s address.

A man has been charged by counter-terrorism police after he allegedly threatened Premier Daniel Andrews and encouraged protesters to bring firearms to state parliament.

Court records confirm Imre Pelyva will front Dandenong Magistrates’ Court later this month after a probe by the security investigation unit.

He has been charged with incitement to manufacture explosives.

There are reports Mr Pelyva encouraged anti-lockdown protesters to bring guns to the pandemic bill rallies which have been taking place on Spring St.

Protesters gather outside parliament on Wednesday. Picture: Jason Edwards

It is alleged Mr Pelyva made online comments urging protesters to “bring out rifles and shotguns” and “shoot Mr Dan f--- in the head”.

He also allegedly provided protesters with instructions on how to make “Molotov cocktails at home” and posted about “burning cop cars down” and “bash(ing) the heck out of them”.

Mr Pelyva reportedly offered up the Premier’s home address after an online post encouraged protesters to rally outside his Mulgrave electorate office.

A Victoria Police spokesman confirmed it was investigating a number of recent incidents involving threats directed at members of parliament.

“We have seen a number of people charged over the past year in relation to threats directed at high profile members of the community, including members of parliament,” he said.

“Victoria Police takes any threat against a person extremely seriously, including both online and physical threats, and will investigate incidents to the fullest extent to hold offenders to account.”

The man allegedly made death threats against Premier Daniel Andrews. Picture: Ian Currie

A second man, also being investigated by the security investigation unit, will face Werribee Magistrates’ Court early next year over racial vilification charges.

It is alleged Kenneth Panten has been encouraging Victorians to engage in violence, using encrypted social media platforms to post instructions on making an automatic rifle with a 3D printer.

This comes after a man responsible for driving a makeshift gallows out the front of Parliament House received a warning from police.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed the 48-year-old man, from Badger Creek, was issued a warning in relation to traffic offences after he used a black Toyota Landcruiser to tow the gallows past a cheering throng of protesters on Tuesday.

The Premier condemned the “ugly” mob of protesters on Wednesday after disturbing videos emerged of an inflatable Daniel Andrews on the makeshift gallows.