Iran’s envoy in Australia has been summoned on numerous occasions by top officials over the treatment of women as well as reports of intimidation.
The federal government is considering targeted sanctions under Magnitsky legislation.
Widespread protests erupted in Iran and around the world after the death of Iranian woman Mahsa Amini at the hands of the nation’s morality police for not correctly wearing her hijab.
Reports of violence against protesters in Iran, especially women, then emerged.
Senior foreign affairs department official Marc Innes-Brown said he had summoned the Iranian charge d’affaires in Canberra on three occasions to convey concerns “in the strongest terms”.
The Middle East division assistant secretary also spoke to the envoy on a separate occasion to allay concerns about reports of intimidation and threats against Australia’s Iranian community.
Mr Innes-Brown said the government would continue to monitor the issue with Iran “not liking dissent, either internal or external”.
Officials confirmed the AFP and NSW police are investigating reports of intimidation against Iranians in Australia.
“That is something we are still getting across the extent of it,” Mr Innes-Brown said of the reports of intimidation.
“Unfortunately, this is a practice of the Iranian regime.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong encouraged anybody who had been harassed to come forward to authorities.
Read the article by Dominic Giannini in the Mandurah Mail.