Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne has said to China that Yang Hengjun should be treated according to international human rights regulations. At the same time, Tehran says that Australia's participation in the US-led maritime alliance for the safety of vessels in the Straits of Hormuz could «damage it's reputation».
Dr Yang was officially charged with spying on Tuesday. His lawyers have said that there have been no more details on the charges, but he could be facing life in prison or even the death penalty.
Beijing warned Australia to not get involved in the case. Minister for Foreign Affairs Marise Payne replied that the 53year old Australia citizen should be treated according to international human rights regulations and not mistreated.
"We want to make it very clear that under no circumstances should an Australian citizen be exposed to any treatment of that sort," she said.
You can read more on Mr. Hengjun's case here.
Iran: ''Australia will damage its reputation''
Tehran warns the deployment of Australian forces in the Straits of Hormuz to ensure the safety of vessels in the area is a risk.
"I don't think there'll be material damage to Australia. The damage will be to the reputation and prestige of Australia," said to the ABC the deputy chair of Iran's foreign relations parliamentary committee, Kamal Dehghani Firouzabadi.
You can read more here.
