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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Anyone with information relating to the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
