Australia uncovers Iran spying operation against protester

Australia has discovered an Iranian surveillance operation targeting a dual Iranian-Australian citizen who had joined protests in Australia following the death of Jina Mahsa Amini, Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil said on Tuesday.

The allegations of spying by Iran comes amid a crackdown on anti-government protests across Iran that have shaken the Islamic Republic in a way comparable to the revolution that brought the regime to power 44 years ago.

"It is perfectly legal for anyone in Australia to criticize a foreign regime, as tens of thousands of people across the country have been doing in response to events in Iran," O'Neil said in a speech to the Australian National University's (ANU) national security college.

"What we absolutely will not tolerate, under any circumstances, are attempts by foreign regimes to disrupt peaceful protests, encourage violence or suppress views."

Canberra says it bust the spying operation

The minister did not provide any details about the surveillance operation, but said that it had included "extensive research" on the individual "and their family."

O'Neil added that Australia's own agencies "were on it like a shot."

"We're not going to stand back and have Australians or indeed visitors to our country, watched and tracked by foreign governments on our soil."