Victoria Police filmed handcuffing pregnant woman over anti-lockdown Facebook post

Victoria Police officers have been filmed handcuffing a pregnant woman over a Facebook post.

Footage was shared online by a Miners Rest couple, northwest of Melbourne, on Wednesday afternoon.

As seen in the video above, it shows the woman arguing with police, who claimed she was inciting people to protest the Victorian coronavirus lockdown this coming weekend.

Groups of anti-lockdown protesters have tabbed September 5 for a series of planned protests across the country.

Several other people have already been arrested and charged with incitement, including a 76-year-old man.

In the video, the woman says she wasn’t aware she was breaking the law by uploading content in advocacy of protest.

“I wasn’t breaking any laws by doing that,” she says to an officer.

The woman – whose partner is filming the confrontation at the time – then offers to take the post down.

“I’m happy to delete the post, this is ridiculous,” she says.

“My two kids are watching, I have an ultrasound in an hour, I’m happy to delete the post.”

However, the officers in the video execute a warrant, seizing computers and mobile phones, including the one that was filming the incident.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman confirmed to 7NEWS.com.au a woman had been arrested and charged.

“Victoria Police is aware of a prohibited gathering which is planned for Ballarat on Saturday,” she said.

“Any gathering of this nature is in blatant breach of the Chief Health Officer’s directions and puts Victorian lives at risk.

Charge laid

“Police executed a search warrant at a Miners Rest address this afternoon and a mobile device was seized.

“As a result, a 28-year old female has been charged with the offence of incitement and has been bailed to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on 25 January 2021.

“Those still thinking of attending the protest in Ballarat on Saturday can expect a swift and firm response from police.”

 

Original Post:
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