Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has come forward as the victim of alleged threats made in a video

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has come forward as the victim of alleged threats made in a video that has been under police investigation for more than a year.

Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe has come forward as the victim of alleged threats made in a video that has been under police investigation for more than a year.

Australian Federal Police charged a 30-year-old Mernda man for his alleged role in creating and publishing the footage which included threats of violence against the controversial Senator.

Police launched a probe in January 2022 after receiving a report from a member of the Australian Senate.

Three electronic devices were seized during a search warrant at the man’s home which allegedly contained evidence of his involvement in producing and distributing the video.

He was charged with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence and will appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court in September.

If convicted, the maximum penalty is five years behind bars.

Senator Lidia Thorpe says she is the victim of threats of violence. Picture: Martin Ollman

A spokesman for Senator Thorpe confirmed that she was the MP referred to in the AFP statement.

“The senator will not be making any further statements on this matter due to ongoing physical impacts resulting from a car accident she was involved in last month,” he said.

“The senator is experiencing significant complications as a result of the accident and is undergoing medical treatment.”

Senator Thorpe was sitting in her stationary car when she was suddenly rear-ended by another vehicle in July.

It’s understood she suffered minor injuries including whiplash and bruising.

Senator Thorpe in the Senate at Parliament House in Canberra. Picture: Martin Ollman

Senator Lidia Thorpe leaving the chamber as the Constitution Alteration for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice passes in the Senate. Picture: Martin Ollman

AFP commander Stephen Nutt said threats of violence and harassment would not be tolerated.

“The AFP supports political expression and freedom of speech, but when it leads to criminal behaviour – including threats and harassment – it will not be tolerated,” Commander Nutt said.

“The AFP has world-leading technology to identify individuals who break the law by harassing, menacing or threatening Commonwealth officials.”

It comes as Senator Thorpe accused Senator David Van of sexual harassment, claiming she was “being followed, aggressively propositioned and inappropriately touched”.

Senator Van denies the allegations.

Senator Thorpe told The Project she was under “formal protection” after receiving death threats and abuse in recent weeks.

“I’m an outspoken person and I am a target at the same time,” she said.

“There are a lot of people out there that don’t want me in that role or in this role … that don’t want me in parliament, that don’t want me alive.

“I’ve felt very unsafe over the last few weeks.”