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A detainee who was among 149 released following a controversial High Court decision has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Victoria Police confirmed on Thursday morning that a recently released 43-year-old detainee was arrested on February 28 in relation to two separate incidents.
Police allege that one woman was assaulted and another was harassed by the man.
‘The 43-year-old Richmond man was interviewed by detectives from the Melbourne Sexual Crimes and Child Abuse Investigation Team and subsequently charged with sexual assault, stalking and unlawful assault (x2).
He will face Melbourne Magistrates Court on February 29, 2024.
“Victoria Police can confirm that the man is one of the detainees recently released following a High Court ruling,” the statement said.
It comes at an inconvenient time for the Labor Party – just days before the must-win Dunkley by-election, sparked by the tragic death of Labor MP Peta Murphy late last year.
Just a few days ago, the Prime Minister slammed the campaign group Voice No, Advance, for an advert questioning where the ‘rapists, pedophiles and murderers’ released following the High Court decision were being held.
The full-page advert in the Herald Sun read: ‘Albo, you opened the doors of immigration detention and let 149 criminals free.
“Tell us, Prime Minister, how many are there in Dunkley?” We demand that you tell us before March 2.’
March 2 is the date of the Dunkley by-election.
Albanese later appeared on Melbourne radio station 3AW, accusing Advance Australia of fear-mongering and spreading misinformation.
“I think people will take a look at that ad, which is designed to scare and frighten people, and see it for what it is,” Albanese told Melbourne radio station 3AW.
‘Our top priority is keeping Australians safe. Australians know that this was a decision of the High Court of Australia and that governments must obey the law.’