Iranian Australians who have been speaking out against Tehran’s lethal crackdown on protesters say there’s been a surge of harassment, intimidation and death threats made against them.

It comes as the Iranian regime has used overwhelming violence and an internet blackout to silence voices inside the country, crushing nationwide protests and killing thousands of protesters.

Now, a new investigation reveals the Islamic Republic has established a shadowy, state-aligned network of at least 8000 social media accounts designed to suppress opposition abroad, including in Australia.

Milad Kianpour, an outspoken regime critic, said he’s been threatened with death if he attends protests in Melbourne.

It is a stark reminder of the danger facing many Iranian Australians who choose to criticise the regime, even if they are on Australian soil.

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