A 28-year-old woman charged with incitement for allegedly organising an anti-lockdown protest in Ballarat will face a three-day contested hearing in November.
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Zoe Buhler appeared via a video link at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Friday for a contested mention.
Defence barrister Hugo Moodie said Buhler, who is due to give birth next month, would not consider a sentence indication and sought a three-day contested hearing.
He said the hearing was longer than expected for one charge, but there would be lengthy legal argument.
Three police witnesses are expected to give evidence at the hearing.
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A pregnant Buhler 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.
Victoria was in lockdown at the time.
She live-streamed her arrest in her pyjamas on social media, sparking a media storm. She was bailed from the Ballarat Police Station later the same day.
Mr Moodie said Buhler was contesting the legality of the police search at her home, the public health directives in place at the time and whether she had criminal intent in committing the offence.
A special mention will be held on August 29 before the three-day contested hearing on November 23.
A hearing will be held at a date to be fixed to determine whether police will give Buhler her mobile phone back to her.
Police took Buhler's mobile phone when she was arrested in September because they believed it was used in the commission of the offence.
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.
Her bail was extended and includes to inform the police informant of any proposed change of address and not to post on social media to incite.
Friday's hearing attracted nine different media outlets.
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