Arrests after cops allegedly targeted at anti-lockdown rally

Eight people have been arrested in a wave of raids across Victoria for allegedly using encrypted apps to threaten police at an anti-lockdown protest.

Police have made eight arrests linked to a Melbourne anti-lockdown protest. Picture: Sarah Matray

Eight people have been arrested over allegations encrypted apps were used to intimidate police who worked at a recent Melbourne protest.

They were detained in a wave of raids across Victoria on Thursday morning which zeroed-in on a campaign against officers linked to an anti-lockdown demonstration in Melbourne’s CBD 12 days ago.

There has been high-level concern in the force about the messaging of members whose photos were taken at the rally.

Crowds at a recent Freedom Rally in Melbourne. Picture: Sarah Matray

Several search warrants were executed on Thursday across Croydon North, Frankston, Geelong, Hillside, Keilor, Mickleham, Buffalo River and Portland.

Those charged include:

A 35-year-old Hillside woman was charged with intimidation of a law enforcement officer, use a telecommunications device to harass and commit an indictable offence while on bail. She faced the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on Thursday and was bailed to next appear on January 12;

A 37-year-old Geelong man was charged with intimidation of a law enforcement officer and use telecommunications device to harass. He was bailed to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court on December 17;

A 33-year-old Keilor man was charged with intimidation of a law enforcement officer. He was bailed to appear at the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on March 7.

A 34-year-old Frankston North man WAS charged with intimidation of a law enforcement officer, use telecommunications device to harass and cannabis possession. He was bailed to appear at the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on March 8.

Four others including a 63-year-old Buffalo River man, a 40-year-old Croydon North man, a 34-year-old Portland woman and a 33-year-old Frankston South man were arrested and released pending summons.

Police fend off Freedom Rally protestors in Melbourne’s CBD. Picture: Sarah Matray

The investigation into the alleged online threats remains ongoing.

Reignite Democracy Australia founder Monica Smit was this week charged with two counts of incitement in relation to the August 21 protest.

Messages sent by anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination protesters on the ‘Melbourne Freedom rally’ telegram thread identified one of the male officers carrying a pepper ball pellet launcher and encouraged others to ‘doxx’ him, which means to reveal a person’s private information.

“Let’s find where this c--- lives,” one said.

Flares, stubbies and marbles were thrown at working police officers. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

The illegal protest made headlines after police were forced to use non-lethal options including pepper ball rounds and OC foam canisters in an effort to disperse the rowdy crowd.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said it was the most violent rally seen in Victoria in two decades.

Flares, stubbies and marbles were thrown at working police officers.

Nine were taken to hospital for treatment and one required surgery.

“These people came along with an intention to be confrontational and to engage in criminal behaviour,” Mr Patton said in the aftermath of the protest.