Anthony Albanese tells Moscow to 'back off' after Russian embassy criticises spying allegations
In short:
The prime minister has rejected criticism from the Russian embassy over the arrest of two people, saying Russia should "back off".
The Russian embassy said the arrests and media attention were "intended to launch another wave of anti-Russian paranoia in Australia".
What's next?
The arrested pair will appear in court on September 20 to face charges of preparing for an espionage offence.
The prime minister has rejected Russian criticism of the arrests of two of its former citizens on espionage charges, telling the Kremlin to "back off".
Speaking in Brisbane on Saturday, Anthony Albanese said Russia had "no credibility" after engaging in "espionage around the world".
"Russia can get the message: Back off," he said.
Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor Korolev, 62, were arrested on Friday at their home in the Brisbane suburb of Everton Park.
The two Russian-born Australian citizens became the first people charged with espionage offences under foreign interference laws introduced in 2018.
On Friday evening the Russian embassy in Australia released a statement on X saying the joint AFP and ASIO media conference announcing the arrests was "clearly intended to launch another wave of anti-Russian paranoia in Australia".
A screenshot from the X account of the Russian embassy in Australia. (X: Russian Embassy in Australia @RusEmbAU)
The embassy said "theatrical tricks" were used and that "imaginary 'Russian spies'" were presumed to be everywhere within Australia.
Mr Albanese said he had a clear message for Russian authorities in the wake of the espionage allegations.
"How about you try to stop interfering in domestic affairs of other sovereign nations," he said.
"This is a country that has no respect for international law and they should be regarded with contempt, which is what I have for them."
Ms Korolev was working as an information systems technician with the Australian Army before being accused of spying for Russia.
Sources told the ABC the couple had been watched by ASIO for an undisclosed period of time and the matter was ultimately referred to the AFP for it to build a case that would meet evidentiary standards for prosecution.
The embassy has requested information on the status and situation of Ms and Mr Korolev, who are currently being held in custody.
"We'll consider appropriate measures of consular assistance," the statement said.
Both Ms and Mr Korolev have been charged with one count of preparing for an espionage offence, which has a maximum penalty of 15 years in jail if found guilty.
They are accused of obtaining defence material with the goal of sharing it with Russian authorities.
Kira Korolev, 40, and her husband Igor, 62, have been accused of obtaining Australian Defence Force material to share with Russian authorities. (Youtube/Facebook)
The married couple appeared separately in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday and did not apply for bail.
They will return to court on September 20.
Albanese defends defence recruitment
The arrests have raised questions about the Australian Defence Force's recruitment and background checks due to Ms Korolev's service in the army as an information systems technician.
"Defence are constantly monitoring their methods and constantly making improvements," Mr Albanese said.
Mr Albanese said the arrest and subsequent charging of the pair proved Australia's security agencies were doing their job.
"I have every faith in our national security agencies, like I have every faith in our Australian Defence Force," he said.
Assistant Defence Minister Matt Thistlethwaite told the ABC's Afternoon Briefing on Friday that background checks were "very, very thorough".