A man has been charged after allegedly deliberately lighting a fire during violent protests at Old Parliament House in Canberra last week.
Police allege that the Victorian man - aged 30 - is partly responsible for lighting the fire last Thursday, December 30, that saw the entrance to the historic building go up in flames.
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) launched a joint taskforce with ACT Policing to investigate the fire, which they allege was instigated by protesters.
Significant damage was caused to the front of the building, with nearby protesters heard shouting "let it burn".
The 30-year-old has been charged with arson and damaging Commonwealth property.
He is expected to face the ACT Magistrates Court tomorrow.
Today's arrest comes after three others were also arrested over the weekend, who faced court yesterday.
One was charged with three counts of assaulting a frontline service provider, another was charged with one count of assaulting a frontline service provider and a third was charged with hindering a Territory official.
The protests were initially peaceful but soon escalated, with police having to use pepper spray on the crowds who became violent.
"It then got a little bit out of hand and then when ACT Police went to respond it was greatly exacerbated," Commander Linda Champion from ACT Police said.
It is believed the protesters were part of an anti-vaccination group, however Commander Champion did not provide any details about them, pointing to the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Tags:
News