The Australian Security Intelligence Organization (ASIO) has been accused of harassing left-wing activists under the pretext of national security concerns, Press TV reports.
The Australian rights campaigners say the spy agency has deliberately targeted small left-wing groups and their members in recent months.
Sources say ASIO agents have also raided homes of several Palestinian activists and questioned them about their political activities and affiliations.
Patrick Harrison, a pro-Palestinian activist has recently published his encounter with spy agents in the socialist newspaper, GreenLeft Weekly.
Human Rights groups say the Left in Australia is small and doesnâ„¢t pose any security risk.
Last week, the federal government announced possible plans to scale back some of ASIO’s powers, including detaining suspected terrorists for up to a week without charge and revoking penalties for praising acts of terrorism.
This comes after two independent reports said the detaining period was a gross violation of civil liberties.
ASIO is primarily responsible for protecting Australian citizens and the country itself from domestic security threats, such as terrorism, sabotage, and espionage.
JR/SS
This article originally appeared on: Press TV