Sky News Australia – Sep 3, 2020
A pregnant woman who was arrested in her home over her alleged involvement in organising an anti-lockdown protest says she had no idea she was breaking the law.
Speaking to media outside her Ballarat home, Zoe-Lee Buhler said she wanted to feel like she was “doing something” and “standing up for human rights”.
“I’m just a passionate person. I’m sick of the lockdowns and I’m sick of hearing about suicides.
“I personally lost my job, and I’m just sick of watching the economy collapse.”
Authorities charged Ms Buhler for incitement over a rally against Victoria’s stage four lockdowns via a Facebook post.
She offered to delete the post while her husband appealed to officers not to arrest his wife.
The live stream, recorded by her husband, of her arrest went viral and was viewed more than two million times.
“I wanted to peaceful protest and I don’t want anyone going to jail or getting hurt,” Ms Buhler said.
“So I’m not going to sit here and encourage protesting. It’s sad though, I wish I could.”
When asked if she would still go and protest, she said she was too scared now.
“It’s fear-mongering,” she said.
The mother will face a Ballarat magistrates court next January.
After pregnant woman is arrested it must be a ‘national day of shame’
Sky News host Rowan Dean says this is a “national day of shame” and Victoria stands condemned in the eyes of the world after a pregnant woman was arrested for ‘incitement’ following an anti-lockdown Facebook post.
“I don’t care what your emergency laws are. I don’t care what your lockdown special police think they are doing,” Mr Dean said.
The Victorian woman was arrested in front of her children on charges of ‘incitement’ after allegedly organising an anti-lockdown protest on Facebook.
Mr Dean said the prime minister must take action against Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews straight away.
“Scott Morrison, enough is enough, step in now, boot this clown Andrews out of the National Cabinet,” he said.
“And tell the Victorians they’re getting no more GST, no more commonwealth funds until they stop this madness.
“Finally stand up and say we are not going to have pregnant women arrested in their own homes for posting online a legitimate political point of view.
“Scott Morrison show some bloody leadership.”