AFP chief reveals scale of threats to MPs
Krissy Barrett echoed ASIO in saying that language and announcements from the nation’s leaders had an observable effect on the volume and nature of threats.
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett stated there is a direct correlation between inflammatory political discourse and threats against parliamentarians. According to ABC News AU, Barrett noted that police regularly see harassment of MPs increase following periods of heated debate, sometimes with immediate effects. She echoed sentiments from ASIO, noting that language and announcements from national leaders have an observable impact on the volume and nature of these threats, according to The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald.
Barrett told ABC News AU that while the AFP does not wish to curtail free speech or intervene in legitimate political debate, law enforcement has a role when rhetoric escalates into violent threats. When asked by ABC News AU if specific content, such as One Nation's YouTube videos or cartoons depicting politicians being hit by cars, served as examples, Barrett did not provide a specific response.
The Commissioner indicated that the AFP will continue to advise MPs, though individuals must make their own decisions regarding their safety.
Brief written by urgent.news from The Age, ABC News AU, The Sydney Morning Herald — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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