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AFP investigates Lidia Thorpe’s comments about burning down Parliament House
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AFP investigates Lidia Thorpe’s comments about burning down Parliament House

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Senator Lidia Thorpe is being investigated by the Australian Federal Police after saying she is prepared to burn down Parliament House in support of the Palestinians.
Thorpe said her comments at a pro-Palestinian rally were “obvious,” so to speak.

But in a rare public statement, the AFP confirmed it would consider whether the comments breached the law.

“This will be done methodically,” an AFP spokesperson said.
“It is not the AFP’s usual practice to provide ongoing commentary on cases.

“However, taking into account public commentary and concerns, the AFP seeks to reassure the community that this matter is being appropriately considered and addressed in a timely manner.”

Lidia Thorpe said she had always rejected violence and was determined to pursue justice through peaceful, democratic means. Source: MONKEY / Mick tsiks

Speaking at a rally in Melbourne on Sunday, Victoria’s senator compared the plight of Palestinians to that of indigenous Australians.

“So we are with you every day, and we will fight every day and we will show up every day and if we have to, burn down Parliament House to make a point,” she said, to cheers from the crowd.
The comments sparked a political firestorm, with Home Secretary Tony Burke urging leaders not to stoke tensions in the community.
He said the natural instinct when making “offensive” comments was to “ramp up the pressure.”
“I don’t think this is in the interest of social cohesion,” he told reporters in Canberra.

He said her comments “speak for themselves … but I also don’t think raising the temperature in return does anything other than create a problem.”

Thorpe clarified her comments Monday, saying they were “a metaphor for the pain in our communities.”
“They were clearly not a literal threat,” she said in a statement.
“This mock outrage is ridiculous. As people die and starve in Gaza, politicians and media are once again clutching their pearls and chasing a scandal.”
Deputy Liberal Leader Ted O’Brien said the comments were contrary to Australian values.
“It is absolutely horrible to make statements like this, and to hear the cheers from the crowd, that is very worrying,” he said.

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