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Photo: RNZ \/ Samuel Rillstone\n<\/p>\n
A 19-year-old man has been charged in relation to a series of death threats made against a Member of Parliament earlier this year.<\/p>\n
The threats were received in March and were directed at the MP over a social media platform.<\/p>\n
The man was arrested on Wednesday and has been charged with causing harm by posting digital communication, and threatening to kill.<\/p>\n
He is due to appear in the Gisborne District Court on 15 October.<\/p>\n
Detective Inspector Warren Olsson said the nature and volume of the threats met the threshold for investigation and subsequent prosecution.<\/p>\n
“Threats of violence are unacceptable and will be thoroughly investigated,” Detective Inspector Olsson said.<\/p>\n
“The safety of all New Zealanders, including our elected representatives, is paramount, and nobody should be made to fear for their own safety.”<\/p>\n
The Police investigation into the online threats is continuing, with further arrests likely.<\/p>\n
“We want to reassure the public that Police take these matters seriously and will continue to hold offenders to account,” Olsson said.<\/p>\n