Dezi Freeman: A Sovereign Citizen on the Run

Sat Oct 18 2025 23:50:53 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Dezi Freeman, a self-proclaimed 'sovereign citizen', is wanted for the tragic shooting of two police officers in Australia. His anti-government beliefs and controversial history have come to light as the manhunt intensifies.

Authorities in Victoria are on the search for Dezi Freeman, who is accused of killing two police officers and injuring another during a confrontation on his property. Freeman, a 56-year-old conspiracy theorist and self-described 'sovereign citizen', has a history of anti-government rhetoric and confrontations with law enforcement. His actions have raised concerns about the potential for violence within the sovereign citizen movement, especially following his erratic behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A major hunt is continuing in the Australian state of Victoria for a man accused of shooting dead two police officers on his semi-rural property, and injuring a third.

Police have confirmed that they are searching for Dezi Bird Freeman, a conspiracy theorist and self-described sovereign citizen who rejects government and law. Freeman, 56, has a long history with the police, and his hatred of authority has been well documented in online posts, videos, and court documents.

He has called police terrorist thugs, compared them to Nazis and tried to arrest a magistrate during court proceedings.

Covid and conspiracies

Less than a week before the shooting of two police in Porepunkah, his wife, Mali, had told a neighbour that she was concerned about his behaviour, The Age reports.

Locals have said that Freeman was kind and polite, but during the COVID pandemic, his behaviour became erratic and his views extreme. He developed a public profile for his views on the health crisis, refusing to wear face masks and rejecting vaccinations.

A 'sovereign citizen'

Freeman is described as a 'sovereign citizen', a movement that gained ground during the COVID lockdowns, with followers believing they are immune from government rules. This ideology has sparked increased scrutiny and concern from law enforcement.

'You are now in my custody'

Freeman has displayed a consistent contempt for authority in previous court interactions, where his disruptive behaviour raised alarms regarding his affiliations with anti-government ideologies.

Experienced bushman

Freeman is known to reside on a semi-remote property in Victoria, making the hunt for him especially challenging given his familiarity with the local bushland.

'Pillar of Porepunkah'

The Freeman family has been part of the Porepunkah community for years, known for their music teaching and local engagements. However, Dezi's recent actions have drastically altered their standing in the community.