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Australia’s Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accuses police of ‘assault’

Australia’s Independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accuses police of ‘assault’

Thorpe is known for attention-grabbing protest actions.

An Australian senator on Thursday claimed she was "assaulted" by police at a rally in Canberra, prompting an official review.

Independent SenatorLidiaThorpewas brought to the ground during an altercation with officers at a small anti-trans event, where she was launching a counter-protest.

Cell phone footage of the incident showedThorpetrying to burst past police officers toward the protest and being dragged back by a male officer.

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As officers tried to help Thorpe to her feet she crawled away shouting "let me go", and then walked away.

The Australian Federal Police said it was aware of the matter, adding that it was under investigation.

"The interactions between the AFP and protesters will be reviewed, and an incident has been referred to the AFP's Professional Standards Command," police said in a statement.

Thorpeis known for attention-grabbing protest actions.

She recently blocked Sydney's Gay Pride Parade by lying in the road and was removed by officers.

Thorpelater said she had been protesting police participation in the event.

(With inputs from agencies)

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