Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had condemned the Iranian regime’s treatment of women and its crackdown on democratic protests.
An Australian government official has said reports Australia’s ambassador was summoned by Iran after comments made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, were incorrect. Source: AAP / Joshua Prieto/Sipa USA
KEY POINTS
- Anthony Albanese had condemned how the Iranian regime treats women and had cracked down on democratic protests.
- Earlier this week Reuters news agency said a spokesman from Iran’s foreign ministry revealed the diplomatic request had been issued in the wake of comments Mr Albanese made.
- Now an Australian government source has said there was no such request.
Claims that Australia’s ambassador to Iran was summoned by Tehran have been denied by the Australian government, following earlier comments by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese criticising the Iranian regime.
Reuters reported on Wednesday that a spokesman from Iran’s foreign ministry said the diplomatic request had been issued after Mr Albanese’s comments on the country’s domestic issues.
But a senior Australian government official – not authorised to speak publicly – told SBS News there had been no such requests of the Ambassador to Iran Lyndall Sachs in recent weeks.
It remains unclear the specific comments Iran has taken issue with or when they were made, but
Mr Albanese has been highly critical of human rights abuses in Iran
in recent weeks.
Iran has charged 1,000 people over the unrest in Tehran and reportedly plans to hold public trials
“It seems that the prime minister of Australia has taken a wrong approach based on false information, which does not help the relations between the two countries,” Nasser Kanaani was quoted as saying.
Tehran has recently summoned several foreign ambassadors over comments regarding protests made by their officials.
Mr Albanese did not confirm the Reuters report earlier this week, but defended his public statements.
“I stand by all of the comments made about the human rights abuses that have occurred in Iran, arising from Mahsa Amini’s murder and then the subsequent actions that have occurred,” Mr Albanese told reporters in Bali.
“We will stand up for human rights (and) we will stand up for Australia’s position consistent with our values.”
‘We will stand up for human rights’: Anthony Albanese defends criticism of Iranian regime
In an interview last month
, Mr Albanese condemned Iranian authorities and appealed for protesters to be treated with respect and dignity, in the wake of a bloody crackdown.
“I condemn the actions of the Iranian regime in cracking down on democratic protests, which were occurring in Iran,” he said.
“It’s important to assert the human rights of women in Iran.”
Mr Albanese has also made similar comments in parliament
