A Ballarat woman who was charged with inciting others to breach a state lockdown has had her case thrown out of court.
Zoe Buhler was arrested in her Ballarat home in September 2020 while pregnant.
The mother-of-three livestreamed her arrest, showing police handcuffing her in a video that later went viral and sparked concerns from the Australian Human Rights Commission.
The arrest came after she created a protest event on social media, citing concerns about the impacts of lockdowns during the pandemic.
In the Ballarat Magistrates Court this morning, police prosecution applied to have the charge struck out, which was approved by Magistrate Mark Stratmann.
In a statement, Victoria Police said they withdrew the single charge following an assessment of the case, determining it was "not in the public interest to continue with the prosecution".
Ms Buhler, now 30 years old, said she was relieved but had "no regrets" outside the court this morning. "I think it's disgusting our rights and freedoms were taken away. I've pretty much felt that way the whole time," Ms Buhler said.
"I'll be considering my options going forward, especially with regards to being handcuffed while pregnant."
Ms Buhler said she believed she had been experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and the legal costs of contesting the incitement charges had been a burden.
Costs will be agreed upon between the parties at a later date.
"There was money raised to help with the costs of lawyers," she added. "I don't even know how much [it was]. A ridiculous amount."
In March 2020, the Victorian Chief Health Officer and Commonwealth Health Minister were granted special powers to issue lockdowns, if necessary, to minimise the rate of transmission of COVID-19.
They have not enacted a lockdown in Victoria since October 2021.
"In the end justice will be served where it is needed. It's important to stand up for what is right," Ms Buhler said.
"I guess my message for Dan Andrews would be, I hope one day you'll have your day in court."
Since the start of the pandemic, 5,264 people in Victoria have lost their lives due to complications relating to COVID-19.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-30/anti-lockdown-protest-charges-thrown-out-ballarat-woman/101385396
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