A 28-year-old woman charged with incitement for allegedly organising an anti-lockdown protest in Ballarat says she is feeling stressed and finding it difficult to enjoy her pregnancy.
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Zoe Buhler appeared via video link at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday.
She was arrested at her Miners Rest home on September 2 for allegedly creating a post on social media inviting people to an anti-lockdown protest in Ballarat on September 5.
Her lawyer said the defence had put a proposal forward for resolution that was being considered by the prosecution.
She is finding it stressful and difficult to enjoy her pregnancy.
- Zoe Buhler's defence lawyer
She submitted the case should be adjourned for four to six weeks rather than to an April date as the court had originally provided because Buhler was due to give birth to her third child in April.
"She is very stressed by the proceedings and keen to see if they can be brought to a conclusion," the lawyer said.
"Incitement is a serious charge... she is finding it stressful and difficult to enjoy her pregnancy."
A pregnant Buhler live-streamed her arrest in September on social media, sparking a media storm. She was bailed at the Ballarat Police Station.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Repac said he needed to speak to his supervisors about the defence proposition for resolution given the nature of the allegation.
Magistrate Letizia Torres granted the defence application to bring Buhler's case back to court sooner, despite it meaning the court would be overloaded with matters.
She said she took into account submissions that the proceedings were causing Buhler distress during a difficult time.
A charge sheet obtained by The Courier shows Buhler is charged with inciting other people to breach stay at home directions during COVID-19 lockdown in Victoria between August 31 and September 2.
Buhler will return to court in February.
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