A man has been charged with threatening to kill One Nation leader Pauline Hanson following a series of social media posts. Anton Raymond Illich, 47, appeared in a Perth court on Friday, facing two counts of using a carriage service to make a threat to kill or cause serious harm.
Federal Police allege that three social media posts formed the basis of the charges, including one post where Illich reportedly stated he would "hunt her down and kill (Hanson)". Illich, from Bayswater, north-east of Perth, told the court the posts were "stupid" and denied any intention to act on them, according to ABC reporting.
Police raided Illich's home on July 17, but his identity and the details of the alleged threats were only revealed on Friday. The charges, if he is found guilty, carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The incident follows calls for increased security for the Queensland senator. In June, an activist group unfurled a campaign poster behind Hanson while she was delivering a speech at the National Press Club in Canberra. ACT Policing is still investigating that matter, which occurred approximately two months prior.
One Nation federal MP Barnaby Joyce commented on the potential danger, stating that such threats raise concerns about the security of political figures. Hanson's office confirmed in the days following the National Press Club incident that she had received numerous text messages and voicemails containing threats against her and her family.
Illich did not enter a formal plea, and his case is scheduled to return to court at a later date.