The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has identified the person who posted an online threat against Mr Modi ahead of his visit to Australia, confirming that the person has been issued a formal warning following an investigation.
The threatening comment was posted below a Facebook post promoting the “Melbourne Meets Modi” community event which will take place at the Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on July 9. Prime Minister Modi is due to visit Australia this week for bilateral talks with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and will go to the Indian community event in Melbourne.
The person who made the post was identified as a young adult, according to the AFP. The authorities spoke to the person on Friday after tracing the source of the online comment.
In a statement to The Australia Today, the AFP said it takes all threats directed at federal parliamentarians, high office holders and visiting international dignitaries seriously.
The Australian Federal Police takes threats against federal parliamentarians, high figures in government and international dignitaries seriously. There is no current or imminent risk to the community. After an assessment of the matter, the young person was issued a formal warning.
The Australia Today reported that the matter was brought to the AFP's attention on the day the threatening comment was posted online. An investigation was immediately launched and the origin of the post was traced to the police.
Although the online comment made a threatening reference to Prime Minister Modi's visit, Australian police have confirmed that their assessment found no ongoing or imminent threat to public safety.
The AFP has not disclosed the identity of the individual for legal and privacy reasons. They also did not provide further information about the investigation but did say the threats against visiting world leaders are treated with the utmost seriousness.
On the visit, Prime Minister Modi will focus on expanding India-Australia strategic ties, developing cooperation in trade, defence, technology and education as well as interacting with members of the Indian diaspora at the "Melbourne Meets Modi" event.
The incident highlights the close cooperation between Australian security agencies and law enforcement to ensure the safety of visiting foreign dignitaries. Security arrangements are in place for the Prime Minister’s visit and there is no current threat to the events, said a government source.
