Is she or isn't she a spy? The mother accused of working for Russia | 60 Minutes Australia

Subscribe here: 9Soci.al/chmP50wA97J Full Episodes: 9now.app.link/uNP4qBkmN6 | Secrets and Spies (2023)
The murky business of espionage usually exists in the shadows. But not this week on 60 MINUTES. In an intriguing and at times robust encounter, Tara Brown interviews a woman our spy agency, ASIO, claims is an agent tasked by Russia to gather sensitive information. Her name is Marina Sologub, and up until earlier this year she’d been living and working in Adelaide for three years.
Now she’s in immigration detention waiting to be kicked out of the country. As Brown reports, cases like this would normally be kept top secret, but quite remarkably a very bold Sologub is refusing to go quietly, denying accusations she’s a spy, and vowing to fight her deportation to the bitter end.
WATCH more of 60 Minutes Australia: www.60minutes.com.au
LIKE 60 Minutes Australia on Facebook: / 60minutes9
FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia on Twitter: / 60mins
FOLLOW 60 Minutes Australia on Instagram: / 60minutes9
For over forty years, 60 Minutes have been telling Australians the world’s greatest stories. Tales that changed history, our nation and our lives. Reporters Liz Hayes, Tom Steinfort, Tara Brown, Nick McKenzie and Amelia Adams look past the headlines because there is always a bigger picture. Sundays are for 60 Minutes.
#60MinutesAustralia

[@annabasnatural]

Her English grammar when speaking doesn’t sound like she’s been in English speaking countries since she was a teen and her accent is extremely strong. That’s interesting…

[@robertscheinost179]

Agreed.

[@marieO07]

She sounds sooooo Irish to me. Her English is Perfect

[@elin_]

I thought the same.

[@annabasnatural]

@@marieO07 as an English person her English is not perfect.

[@voyaristika5673]

That fact sort of screams. Her accent sounds more like she learned English at least a decade later than teens.

[@cleoxo2566]

I reckon they have a pile of evidence that 60 minutes certainly doesn't have, and they've probably been following her for quite some time.

[@darlenemestas5839]

They would at least have mentioned her level of top secret clearance and unless she had a high level she's not a spy. They have Russian engineers working in West programs who could be more of spies than this lady. They're so desperate to try to get people against Russia when it's their corrupt govts causing turmoil. Sorry but the West isn't the good guys. And Biden sold hong Kong and Taiwan ECT for 20trillion in gold and China is just collecting on what they bought. Oh and the gold is gone why they're focused on Russia resources. China and Russia are protecting Venezuela from the US raiding the country and resources.

[@annabasnatural]

Agreed. It’s amazing how people think that because the public don’t know anything that must mean there is no evidence

[@Mrmuscle-nt7dx]

This

[@pissiole5654]

Yep. I'd say this wouldn't have even made it into the public sphere if asio weren't certain. They were probably fed the info from the British or Americans

[@ronmillis8143]

"I am not a spy" defence...bigger spies than her in Australia, one was a Prime Minister.

[@QueenofZamunda2023]

An innocent person would not be this difficult. This would have been a chance to speak her truth and shout it from rooftops. She came on tv just to say; Prove it. She won't even answer yes or no. She is well fed and safe. Keep her in detention until she talks.... then deport her lack to daddy pew pew.

[@LorraineMartel1]

I can;t be the only person who would love to hear what body language experts might have to say about this woman's behaviors.

[@wildweasel3001]

Yeah, it's just you and the day time TV crowd. Body language is the new Phrenology. They have a worse record than mind reading dogs.

[@heiatahiti]

And the husband laugh looks like a psycopath behavior

[@heiatahiti]

This video is a good material for the future to study liars like her and her husband, their behavior because they are really not good liars with their body language and bad way to answer suspicious questions.

[@user-hv9vn4fi4w]

🤡🤡🤡🤡

[@gaillessard2786]

Right? She certainly answers in the way a guilty person would!

[@juhanivalimaki5418]

When not answering hard revealing questions, she looks 100% of the time at camera. When posed any revealing questions she looks 90% of the time somewhere else, not at the camera. Funny. Well, apparently she was not trained for years.

[@purselmer5931]

LOL, that is exactly how I would imagine a spy is trained.

[@y2ksurvivor]

Body language armchair analysis 🤡

[@Ruzhyn_Ukraine]

She has not been specifically trained as a spy, so her communications skills are very poor.Intelligence agencies often have no choice but work with dumb informants too. It's a headache.😄

[@juhanivalimaki5418]

@@y2ksurvivor So apparent you can do this analysis while doing hard cross-trainer exercises half dead. No armchair needed, but thank for praising, vatnik.

[@juhanivalimaki5418]

@@purselmer5931 The normal Russian defence? "This looks so bad it cannot be the great Russian Intelligence services". "The Russian state poisoners would never have been caught by security cameras (that catch everything in UK town centers)". :D

[@lindaj171]

Cold eyed arrogance and disrespect is not the response I would expect of an innocent person, especially since she is a visitor to Australia and has Ireland, a free country, to return to.

[@jefferyhutchison9775]

Maybe you didn't grow up in Kazakhstan too.....Bias on her appearance is definitely not proof of anything....

[@boobopish]

You nailed it. She’s a li*ar, she’s actually v*le. You couldn’t pay me enough to ever trust her.

[@hughjazz64]

I have Ukrainian refugees next door who twice in the last three months blasted patriotic Russian songs and sang along. I’m sure they are here to spy, participate in FSB operations and brainwash Ukraine supporters among locals. I’m a native Russian and I escaped from Russia to the West only to find myself living nextdoor to people I fear the most - my own compatriots (with Ukrainian passports in my case). Russian spies are literally everywhere.

[@_luckicharms]

When asked "are you a spy" she did not say no. She said "I am not guilty of anything doing"

[@MrUntapishtim]

Wow! You are a genius! 😂

[@bobbieawaw3079]

Yes. She can simply answer yes or no.

[@G_dawgtv]

She no speak English... English is not her native

[@throughput6674]

You obviously didn't watch the whole thing...

[@G_dawgtv]

@@_luckicharms ey mehn...get on with your paranoid ass

[@ducckman]

By far the best media outlet out there, real journalism, challenge people etc. Love watching - From Canada

[@e24news_KE]

let me add some quotes from the article for easy work for you from the same article "8 April 2003: Arab satellite station Abu Dhabi TV is hit by US army fire in a bloody day for journalists in Iraq." "9 April 2003: Aljazeera mulls pulling out of Iraq after death of Baghdad correspondent. 10 April 2003: US and Britain announce the launching of an Arabic-language TV channel aimed at the Iraqi public called Nahwa Al-Hurrieh (Toward Freedom)."

[@Open2OpenUT]

Bloody Hell, I never knew there was a Space Industry in Ireland! 😂 regards from Dublin 😀☘️☘️🇮🇪☘️☘️

[@Mmmmkay88]

Cheers mate… lay off the pub will ya ..🤣just yanking your chain

[@ivavulaj]

Because you’re not interested on spying 😂😂😂😂

[@deebee192]

I'm from Ireland and didn't know either 😂

[@kimbycampsworld3835]

Me either 😂 Well done 🍀

[@foxbuns]

how sad for ireland that its own people do not know what is located in their own country, or what their govt is doing.

[@misswaychannel9186]

I hope I dont see her on the streets here in Ireland. You know what she's not smart enough to be a spy, BUT I believe I think shes a wanna be greedy spy, who just had access to high level information and they used her. A snitch is a snitch.

[@Pygmygerbil88]

I love tara brown . such a brave professional lady. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[@georgegjorgjiovski8281]

Ask about Voice for us they can have muy neighbours in parliament for few months so they cab scream they lungs out

[@MrUntapishtim]

Cold blooded :)

[@arianahoule7223]

I feel sorry for Ireland if she goes back there.

[@Brucebod]

_Riiiiiiight_ I was thinking the same.

[@radwanabu-issa4350]

You should be sorry for yourself, if somebody commit a crime, court system will prosecute criminal and will not wait for you to be sorry!

[@Arizona_lilly]

She belongs somewhere

[@Pk-fi5hq]

@@Arizona_lillyrussia

[@perfect7128]

Send her back to Russia and some rural area like Siberia

[@planetwazza]

Hmm, how can you prove something that did not happen? She comes across as very narcissistic. On the way she responds, being unwilling to confirm past associations with a Russian diplomat, and hearing she was born and lived in a Russian satellite country until her family migrated to Ireland when she was a teenager, doesn't support her claims at all. I am not sure, but based on the interview and her comments I cannot dismiss the possibility she spied and it seems that after ASIO showed interest, she no longer worked in the space industry. This is very telling. Guilty or innocent, can Australia take the risk?

[@e24news_KE]

I am wondering why NATOs countries eg USA, Britain, Australia are so concerned about Russian or China spies yet the same countries are busy spying African countries and even listening to phone calls of African presidents ...why the double standards? I feel the interviewer is already making judgements instead of being objective...she already assumes the lady as guilty and feel this why the lady is responding this way...more so, some personality are very defensive when they feel judged e.g emotionally avoidant...so being defensive here does not justify that she is guilty. If you think so , you are narrow and too quick to judge just like the interview

[@GarrisonFall]

If the reason for the woman's visa was her special skill-set in the space industry, and she no longer works in the industry, her reason for staying in Australia is no longer valid.

[@annabasnatural]

Oh my gosh I rewatched this the other day and thought the same thing!! So yeah, the visa would be revoked unless there were special circumstances…I know that there must be more info that’s not in the public domain but this is so interesting from an outside perspective

[@mariej6962]

She is clearly not helping herself. Why would an innocent person respond in such a defensive and arrogant way instead of trying to answer questions the righy way. She is just angry her secret got revealed. Deport her.

[@djninetysix7119]

Im with you. Thank you for sharing your opinion. With so many who are completely off who do, we need you / us to dare to stay engaged.

[@benmccarthy1799]

she is detained without visible evidence and torn away from her husband and son. Of course she is angry.

[@LeftLaneDreams]

@@benmccarthy1799Someone is naive huh?

[@benmccarthy1799]

@@LeftLaneDreams what is naïve exactly? Not automatically assuming guilt?

[@TaylorTiree]

@@benmccarthy1799 Well said!

[@annarudkowska9453]

I live in Ireland and seriously I don’t know if any Irish company will want to hire her again after doing a background check on this lady. I have known a lot of Russian people and yes some of them have been subjected to racism and discrimination a lot, but I trust that the Australian government must have had some information to accuse her of spying.

[@emmas1082]

Ireland would probably deport her because their country is involved in her crimes.

[@pammers5588]

she's very manipulative, combative, and unwilling to answer questions directly. She's also very intelligent and her affect is off. For example, she is smiling at inappropriate times during the interview because she's getting caught in lies by this interviewer. In addition, she's evasive in her answers or not acknowledging the questions at all. In my opinion, no Country can take a chance in keeping her. If allowed to remain, she could do a lot of damage by divulging secrets to other Countries. Anyway, hasn't her VISA expired?

[@newgoliard6059]

I'm not convinced. I'd like to see a full-body video of her interrogation for other clusters of deception. She's bold as hell. Given the opportunity to leave the country freely, she's pushing for her day in court. What nut does that? I've been combative during interviews with investigators because they were myopic idiots. It was a product of frustration. If the Australians had solid proof of espionage would they let her leave the country? My experience with DOJ tells me the Aussies don't have shit but circumstantial evidence.

[@dva5610]

@@newgoliard6059o the authorities most definitely have far more tan they are letting on. They’re just waiting to see how widespread the network being unravelled is. She’s also not “bold as hell”. She has the typical arrogance of most Eastern Europeans who believe that western countries are soft and they can get what they want, but she is sorely mistaken.

[@robertscheinost179]

@@newgoliard6059 The spy catchers are only going to reveal the tip of the evidence iceberg that they have against her.

[@benmccarthy1799]

No they revoked her visa.

[@benmccarthy1799]

@@dva5610 If they had more then they were letting on they would just arrest her. They have no real evidence so they are just hoping she will fold and go back to Ireland. Also cool it with the generalisation of eastern Europeans.

[@teslainthehood2521]

you can tell she’s hiding something. Also if they haven’t shown all the evidence but are going this far. It’s sure to say they are building a bigger care with other ppl involved. But they have her unless she flips and then it all Goes away.

[@Elliott_Wave]

I could see that in her father. defiantly telling poop poops

[@Anna-xi2hq]

"I will tell you one more time because I am loosing my patience" - I mean, we can certainly agree Marina is not a particularly polite or likeable person. If you are unwanted (which is indisputable as her visa has been cancelled) and feel that you are being treated unjust, why fight deportation so vehemently? It's not like she is being sent to Russia.. Any government has the right to deny or cancel its visa - in fact, the Australian government has no obligation to provide reasoning for that whatsoever.

[@annabasnatural]

And the Australian government are notoriously strict with their visa rules as well

[@marieO07]

Wow, your comment sounds like you're going to loose it/ explode 🤔.... Marina sounds very likeable, What "We can certainly agree" is your comment sounds silly( o be kind to you....) and as you said yourself, you're looking your patience . We all " certainly agree" 😂, you need to chill Sweety. Just be kind

[@Ragnheiour_Olafurdottier111]

She's acting so guilty

[@linseyskelly9524]

When she asked if she was telling the truth, the lady said yes, but shook her head no. Telling.

[@tishwitch]

I think there's an embedded confession in this story, when she said she planned to have a life in Australia. Some people would say that's lovely, but those of us familiar with Russian intelligence would know that a good deep cover their ideal scenario. Some spies remain dark for even a decade building their new life, getting closer to the ultimate "target" or assignment. I think she's not denying being a spy. But i think she's mad that no one is sharing the information with her. She wants to know how her cover was blown.... And I wouldn't tell her. Good job finding her! I think she's absolutely slimy. She's giving non answers and playing semantics games. This is not an innocent person.

[@glenmcmurtrie5568]

There is more to this we do not know the girl when more if this comes to lite i hope from ASIO then only can one have something to say.

[@tishwitch]

@@glenmcmurtrie5568 weird because I have lots to say right now. You can hold your opinion if you want... I personally think she's a spy.

[@abhinashkumar3161]

@@tishwitch thanks for the judgement

[@tishwitch]

@@abhinashkumar3161 you're absolutely welcome! You don't go a day without bias and personal opinions either lol

[@deathbycheese850]

You watch a 20 minute, heavily biased video, and you decide she's guilty, because she's not acting the way you think she should, if she was innocent? Does Lindy Chamberlain ring a bell?

[@pammers5588]

I love watching 60 minutes and enjoy listening to this reporter's narrative. Very informative and professonal

[@Whyoakdbi]

The way she avoids answering the question in full definitely feels weird and makes me not believe her

[@Susanviolet3322]

Language barrier that’s why

[@8elionadvancing884]

I think its reasonable not to allow them to build nextdoor

[@STANDINGCarabao]

The host was remarkable. She controled the interview like a boss. Her demeanor was professional.

[@jefferyhutchison9775]

Yes like she worked for the KGB or GRU lol😅

[@samanthataylor1761]

Tara Brown, man. She’s outstanding.

[@GarrisonFall]

​@@jefferyhutchison9775 I can't remember seeing the journalist with any electric leads or other 'interview tools'.

[@marieO07]

Worst derogative interview Ever from 60 minutes. One may think that this was Taras first interview. It was really shocking , like someone on their first day, No professionalism At all. Not a good luck Australia........

[@slicklandy7819]

@@marieO07 Bye orc troll

[@danceillusions13]

I'm originally from Russia and she actually sounds very much like a spy.

[@JUSTADDLIGHT360]

Lol omg don't be a juror ever pls

[@abdiomar3204]

no ur not lol

[@roymerritt9927]

Her Russian contact in the embassy never asked for intelligence information likely because he didn't have to because she willingly volunteered it. Anyone whose lack of veracity can be readily pointed out to them as Tara Brown has so easily done in this interview is consciously being deceitful. And her hostility toward anyone asking pertinent questions as to her past associations is seemingly dooming any hope she has of convincing Australian authorities to allow her to remain in Australia. I think her eagerness to get her son into a Russian language class means she was in all likelihood grooming her son to be an espionage mole in Western societies for the benefit of the Russian Federation. I'd bet she was connected with Russian spy agencies from the moment in her youth she immigrated from Kazakhstan to Ireland.

[@fleischwolf82]

If a intel service from the 5 eyes says your a spy, its almost certain. A pity the interview was to narrow. Would have been interesting to ask as well about her family background, move from Kazachstan to Ireland, studies, work in EU, reasoning for moving to the Australia etc

[@hus390]

What 5 Eyes? Dude, It's an Aussie intel agency. Likely BS! And they didn't even accused her officially of anything. Put up, or shut up. ...... Oh yea, she had a business card of a diplomat? And that's evidence of what, knowing that communication with Russian space agencies was part of her previous job in Ireland, and she declared it in her visa application???????

[@hus390]

Where else she move knowing only English as a second language?? 3 or 4 countries are only available. Australia is big and have a bigger Eurasian community than Ireland.

[@timbyrnes9844]

How the fuck would you know.

[@teslainthehood2521]

⁠@@hus390the 5 eyes runs the show you must be misinformed. I get Some if you’re points. But she comes of as she’s hiding something. Maybe she knows her words are going to be used against her later on. But she is definitely hiding something. The fact they haven’t shown the evidence means it’s an on going investigation. Given why the didn’t show the guys face. But if the 5 eyes passed that info to Australia’s counter spy department then you can bet money they have the evidence and don’t want to give away how they are gathering it.

[@teslainthehood2521]

@@hus390also all you’re points are can be debunked when building and reclute “legend” those things would be Part of it. Posible deniability while explaining it could all legally be seen as a coincidence. When there’s no such thing as too many coincidence.

[@andyroo9381]

Spies never look like "spies".

[@dariadavies256]

Exactly! The best spies are the ones who are unremarkable and blend into the crowd! I think people assume all spies look like someone out of a James Bond movie? Although I have no idea If this woman is a spy or not.

[@vickilawrence7207]

Exactly. If I was trying to come up with a spy that no one would expect I think I would choose someone exactly like this woman!

[@maya96939]

👍

[@astrithysaj2872]

The man was saying many times "falsch", "falsch". No wonder that Tara couldn´t understand him, he was speaking in german. "Falsch" is german and means "false" in english.

[@FinanceMinister91]

An Irish citizen with a 100% Russian accent maintaining she's not Russian and has never lived there. 🙄

[@lshep09]

Russian language was mandatory in the USSR. Everything was in Russian before the Soviet Union collapsed. Russia was one of the 15 Soviet Republics and you did not need to live their to call Russian your mother language. Just FYI

[@FinanceMinister91]

@@lshep09 you missed the "Irish citizen" part.

[@lshep09]

@@FinanceMinister91 I just don't think it's relevant in this conversation. It does not matter what citizenship you have now, your mother language has nothing to do with it.

[@monikawelch339]

What kind of spy would have their contacts as a ‘ Facebook friend’? A very bad spy…..or possibly…not a spy.

[@DanielFrost79]

I will have to agree. I don't see a spy either. And people in the comments says she's a spy because she's rude to the reporter. 😂🤣 If this was anybody else, they would do exactly the same. Locked up, accused of being a spy?! Na, they would act "Normal".

[@noramaddy4409]

Why not? You think she is innocent simply because she operated a FB account. It might be a very clever move. Are you privy to more information than ASIO? No, then I must take the word of ASIO and not your opinion.

[@James-oo1yq]

I logged in to comment the same thing. I don't believe she's a spy, but they're going to deport he just incase. Pretty unfair

[@reeva5735]

To be a good spy, one must blend in well, make friends and have friends not suspect you are a spy. That is what a spy does lol

[@pammers5588]

@@DanielFrost79 Not necessarily

[@olgaprokopieva2692]

Hmm. I would not trust her. How on earth she managed to land a job within a Space Agency in Ireland is also highly questionable. Her English is very poor. To be honest with such a poor level of English she would unlikely get a job working as an interpreter. She claims to have been living in Ireland since she was a teen. My own explanation why her English is so poor is that on a day to day basis she speaks Russian more than she speaks English. That tells me that she lives in a Russian speaking environment. So my curiosity is aroused by the fact that she managed to land a job in a Space Agency with such poor language skills. She claims that she had access to Russian key decision makers and their Irish counterparts. So my first assumption that she managed to land on her feet in the Space Industry with some help. Somebody pulled the strings. It was either her immediate family, i.e. her Mom or Dad as they come from Kazahstan, which is home to Baikanur, the former Soviet Space Industry closed city for scientists. Usually there are strict restrictions imposed by the state on such people to leave the country. Is it going too far to suggest, that her parents were able to leave Baikanur under the watchful eye of the Russian intelligence and so they were planted in Ireland as a Trojan horse. So she lands a lucrative job in European Space Agency in Ireland. My first port of call would be investigate how she got that job. Then investigate her parents activity in Ireland. And as far as I know, all members of staff employed in the Russian Embassy in any capacity have links to the Intelligence services. The same goes for international state journalists and interpreters. That is where they recruit their members. Australia has to protect her interests. It is best to act with caution. If she is asking for a favour from a member of a Russian embassy, there are no free favours.

[@ester_22]

Answer to the first question leaves a lot to question. She didn't answer No, she explained how she came trying to give an explanation why she is there. Then, saying I would stop you for making that question....if she is not, then she lacks convincing skills to show she is innocent, which would be sad. Then she says, "Please show me the evidence". Why doesn't she answered first "No I am not". When you are not, a firm, honest answer is all that you need. And the way of her interaction is over defensive. It's fine to be defensive as you must defend yourself from any false accusations, but there is a line where it goes over the board if you are trying too much to convince others.

[@beerkeg6965]

As someone once told me, “you can have friendly foreign countries as much as you like. But there is no such thing as a friendly foreign intelligence agency.”

[@nataliejayne3699]

everything she said is exactly what a spy would say 😂

[@rugaa372]

clear as day

[@elin_]

Doesnt sound like she has lived in ireland for a big part of her life.

[@gemmaburman7767]

She's either sus or she lied on her visa application about her level of work. Either could be true.

[@user-si8zf9hy1b]

Naw this lady is a spy, she needs to go.

[@Tea-nOpals]

Who in their right mind would let Russia build an embassy anywhere during these times?

[@GitanoRenegado]

Same people that let China have Gestapos in other countries to threaten their citizens abroad

[@lint2791]

Because keep friends close and keep enemies closer?

[@Nadvirna1]

Excellent job 60 minutes Australia!

[@KaoticReach1999]

I don't blame her for being frustrated, the second you're accused of ANYTHING related to Russia the court of public opinion will convict you long before anything is actually found

[@yotajim916]

Well done Tara for staying professional with these arrogant disrespectful traitors

[@JUSTADDLIGHT360]

🙄

[@10timesaweek]

shes an asset, not a spy, working for free and so undereducated that telegram posts tell her what to do and how to behave.

[@PurpleSixBeats]

1:12 "Are You a spy?..."She never answered the question just eluded it in a bunch of words that sounds like an answer. She doesn't sound trustworthy.

[@davo.m4623]

I have a great deal o respect for Tara Brown, I would be terrified to be interviewed by her!

[@blueagle-di6is]

if Australia doesn't want her there, then Australia has every right to kick her out of Australia. This woman is self entitled.

[@XX-121]

they ought to kick you out whiled they're at it

[@ESUSAMEX]

Whether she is a spy or not doesn't matter. She's not an Australian and now she does not have a visa, so the Australians can throw her out whenever they want and she doesn't get a say.

[@pammers5588]

True. Australian officials are doing what is best for their Country, which is what they should be doing

[@bigphinis675]

if she is a spy why doesn't the federal police charge her with espionage and throw her in prison?

[@SuperSPatrick]

She is detained. Were you not paying any attention? lol

[@benmccarthy1799]

@@SuperSPatrick Not the same thing. She is detained because her visa was revoked.

[@SuperSPatrick]

@@benmccarthy1799 You need to watch it again. They took it from her and detained her. derrrr

[@benmccarthy1799]

@@SuperSPatrick she is detained because she is not allowed in the country technically and she wants to fight the case before going back to Ireland. She has had no criminal charges brought against her.

[@SuperSPatrick]

@@benmccarthy1799 lol Yet.

[@Iamhermajesty9]

I’m surprised the comments are open. Really like Tara browns interview style , she doesn’t beat around the bush

[@nomdegre8420]

The eyes gave her lies away.

[@wt2676]

60 Minutes Australia, more engaging than the original CBS 60 Minutes from America.

[@michelbal1100]

I have been living something similar to it with my former partner and I'm pretty sure she is part of russian connection. 😢😢

[@genevievegreen2335]

Why haven't you said: " I AM NOT A SPY!" Not: where is their proof! ❓❓❓❓❓❓

[@lwang5186]

watch it again, she said

[@wildweasel3001]

Australia has space program? 😂 Don't you just drop things and they fall off the bottom of the planet 😮

[@elizabethrandellswart2397]

Sounds like they are making a mountain out of a mole heap. Russia is decades ahead of Oz in space technology.

[@corneliuscornia3189]

Exactly,they received order from UK to get rid of anybody who has any Russian irrespective of they are spy or not,I suspect UK dirty work. 10:20

[@Flaschenteufel]

Yep Russia is a shining star these days regarding technology...or economy...or army....or...politics ..or free speech...education...or simply food processing. Will be a cherry on the pie once the thousands rapists Prigoshin freed return to their homes. Truly bright times for the country.

[@caleblauber1441]

She’s not “likeable”, and displays a mood of distrust. I can understand why they don’t trust her.

[@Michael-it6gb]

What kind of stupidity is that?

[@I.J.1981.]

Just after 7:25 , there is a freudian slip that I am surprised Tara didn't pick up on. She says "our" operation....

[@BeesWaxMinder]

I don't want to be "that person" or seem to be in judgement or to know more than others on this matter but I have to say it could be her attitude that's got her into this trouble? Let me explain: If I were in a situation in any foreign country and the authorities of that country had the ability to change mine &/or my family's life for the worst I would be hugely cooperative with them You'd see me bowing and scraping; you'd see me "yes sir no sir"; you would see me dotting my i and crossing my t too! If her problem is with discrimination then what had she done before all this happened to combat this? If she's allowed to stay in the country, to affectively "win", then what will she do to make her adopted country less discriminatory? NOTHING! By the looks of it… She will just go on ahead with her life (as she has every right to do so if she's innocent which I'm inclined to believe she is) The fact is there are hierarchies in the world in every status of society and life is often about negotiating your way through these

[@annaannan6840]

Since she was working with space technology development, I’m guessing that she have a quite high IQ. People with high IQ usually doesn’t develop the same level of manipulative social skills as people with mediocre IQ does.. Their brains just isn’t wired like that…..

[@James-oo1yq]

Her character is just a part of her upbringing in a East European country. I don't think she's a spy at all, but they have taken this so far they will undoubtedly deport her to save face.

[@resolecca]

i absolutely agree and i feel as though her attitude is more an Eastern European cultural misunderstanding than anything else as they are not exactly known for bending over, nor being overly pilote at least not to Western standards they just tell it as they see it

[@pammers5588]

I was thinking the same thing myself. When being in a foreign Country, be respectful (not rude), behave in a professional manner, etc. Even if she wasn't a spy, who would want a person who acts like that in their Country?

[@jonknestrick5219]

I don't think it's a "cultural misunderstanding" but rather she's an arrogant spy essentially saying "privet it". That isn't the type of response a normal person who has nothing to hide would have.

[@solnidor]

So basically she could be free if she would leave the host nation of Australia. She is willingly sitting in detention when she could be using her advanced education to live a good life in a nation that wants her. I must wonder what is so special about Australia? I know lots of very educated, important people and none of them have twenty computing or storage devices in their homes. So we will wait and see the evidence brought against her.

[@laylah150]

Maybe cos she's a got family in Aus? If I had her degree and could work anywhere I would choose to leave, but I'm young. Who knows people's circumstances

[@Colin-Fenix]

Because her game is revealed and Ireland won’t want her. She doesn’t speak English very well for someone who grew up in her teens in Ireland.

[@fredflintstoner596]

Mrs Richards: "I paid for a room with a view !" Basil: (pointing to the lovely view) "That is Torquay, Madam ." Mrs Richards: "It's not good enough!" Basil: "May I ask what you were expecting to see out of a Torquay hotel bedroom window ? Sydney Opera House, perhaps? the Hanging Gardens of Babylon? Herds of wildebeest sweeping majestically past?..." Mrs Richards: "Don't be silly! I expect to be able to see the sea!" Basil: "You can see the sea, it's over there between the land and the sky." Mrs Richards: "I'm not satisfied. But I shall stay. But I expect a reduction." Basil: "Why?! Because Krakatoa's not erupting at the moment ?"

[@DB-xp9px]

it feels like she wouldn't be so "evasive" in how she answers questions if she has nothing to hide. on top of that, aiso likely had more proof motivating their raid that found the business card.

[@maya96939]

👍

[@had123ish]

She’s very obstinate in her answers.

[@resolecca]

not really, she just seems over it also people from that region aren't exactly known for being polite by Western standards, I don't know if she is a spy or not but she is just giving the reporter the same attitude the reporter is giving to her

[@had123ish]

It’s my perception. She agreed to an interview. That was her choice.

[@resolecca]

@@had123ish she agreed to an interview expecting the reporter to have to already made up her mind when its clear that Tara brown already believed she was a spy and was giving her major bad attitude so this lady gave it right back was that wise absolutely not but it also proves nothing

[@had123ish]

@@resolecca Tara Brown is asking questions that viewers want to know the answers to, and this woman is not giving them for WHATEVER reason. I’m not changing my opinion regarding the way she answered the reporters questions. I can also make my own mind up as to whether she is or isn’t a spy. Feel free to troll some one else. Good day.

[@resolecca]

@@had123ish you can have your opinion dosn't chance the facts that Tara was NOT being a journalist in this interview and me disagreeing with your wrong opinion dosn't make me a troll #youfailed

[@stuartAF888]

Great reporting skills! ❤

[@cuthrell]

Manipulation of our system,frustrated because she's caught.

[@Elliott_Wave]

As we say in Bitcoin, Don't Trust Verify!

[@voulathomacos-lagonas8445]

Her reactions are STRANGE to say the least. .. Where's there's smoke there's fire????

[@otosonet6693]

If she's a spy, than not a very good one. Unless those inconsistencies are not part of her training to shake off suspicion... ;)

[@snowbeach11]

The way she's behaving, maybe there's arrogance there. She caught lying about her friend. Extremely defensive. Work & connections + some of her wordings were quite close to why she's being suspected of. Maybe this was some sort of another tactical manoeuvre to be that obvious :) & see if it works. Some ofc are secretive, sexy or normal etc, ok lol it must be exciting but dangerous.

[@resolecca]

he's a colleague, colleague and Facebook friend does not actually equal a real friend, nor does asking them for information about a school so i don't see any lie there, is she a spy idk, frankly i really care but all that has been said hardly equals spy does it, neither does being defensive which i feel would be a normal reaction if your being accused of something you didn't do, but then again we dont know what information asio has

[@pammers5588]

@@resolecca Maybe

[@dva5610]

@@resoleccait’s a pattern of behaviour. You’re making excuses for her at every junction. That’s a red flag in itself.

[@resolecca]

@dva5610 not making excuses just stating there was zero in this interview to "proove" she was a spy but she might well infact be a spy how would I know what evidence asio has, but if this was "supposed" to "proove" something it surely missed it's mark but if giving someone the benefit of doubt of being innocent until prooven guilty is a red flag to you then I guess the entire justice system iss one gigantic red flag, keep in mind if they had super strong evidence they would charge her with a crime which they haven't

[@dva5610]

@@resolecca didn’t need to read that but misspelling “prove” twice didn’t help ur case

[@MagdalenaOciepka]

For all slavic nations word "friend" has different meaning than in "english". For us "friend" is very close person, we have much more other words describing just "familiar" people, people from work etc. I could reply the same for question if this guy was my friend. I think she needs good translator who understand those differences.

[@LUCKY.030]

Lol, that's also in English, just like in German and other countries

[@voxquivive3303]

She lived and was educated in Ireland to the extent she worked on international space programs. I presume her english is at least as competent if not more competent than the russian she spoke as a first language for her first 11 years.

[@h84gabor6]

but if you speak english, you understand how the word friend is used in english. 🙄

[@nicolaablett7790]

Language and translation changes emphasis Difficult Tough with 60 minutes after that bizarre MGT interview

[@resolecca]

@@voxquivive3303 listen to her speak, does she speak English sure, she can get her point across yes but not well id hardly call her fluent, being highly educated in her field and understanding the nuances of a foreign language aren't the same thing anyone with half a brain would understand that distinction

[@JeffHalverson]

Her cagey answers are very suspicious!

[@WindTurbineSyndrome]

This woman has no legal rights none. Where is the evidence?

[@voxquivive3303]

The old adage: If the law isn't on your side attack the prosecutor. I guess if the facts aren't on your side attack the fact checker - in this case the journalist.

[@burhanilyas]

What an irony. Facebook for spying

[@johnke996]

If she lived in Ireland for so long, how come her English is so poor?

[@louisebb4183]

Tara ,in Australia you are not guilty until proven guilty, this lady obviously is not idiot ,she must be highly educated don’t push your own beliefs on her,if ASIO has proof of her spying why is she not in jail ??

[@jacobthesettler7616]

ASIO : marina, ure a spy? marina : whats ur evidence? ASIO : facebook

[@cojohnso80]

I am not sold. I would hold out a portion of my mind with the possibility she is being truthful and is just having difficulty describing her situation because of emotions

[@theeternalnow6506]

Yeah. My gut reaction is that she's being deceitful and contradicting herself but it could be the editing. Also shes been in jail for a while on top of coming from a different culture etc. My gut says she's lying though. Luckily i have no say in the matter.

[@cojohnso80]

@@theeternalnow6506 You are right about everything you say. On paper it's easy. When I look at her eyes and her husband's eyes is where my doubt comes in. I could be way off.

[@traceurjay]

Understandable. Australia is another western country that's hopped on the Russophobia bandwagon where anyone who speaks a word of Russian is seen with suspicion. If there's hard evidence, they need to release it. Otherwise she's being accused of being a spy just based on feelings, hearsay, and suspicion.

[@Mmmmkay88]

Is she guilty beyond a reasonable doubt?

[@christopheradrien4643]

Why is he saying "felch" 😂

[@Booboonancy]

I may have got this wrong, but were there any lingering doubts about her while living/working in Ireland ?

[@TheRealWinser]

The problem I have with these types of accusations is that any evidence or lack thereof is sealed. There is no way they will let her stay regardless of whether the accusations are based on fact or not.

[@maya96939]

Of course it sealed! It does not mean it is not there.

[@estebanperez4171]

@@maya96939 what a stupid and apologist comment for someone who can’t even defend herself

[@pinayladyoz8044]

I don't get it. She is insisting that all Aus Intelligent Organisation accusations are false and showing to her that she is not WELCOME here in Australia, so why fighting to stay here instead of just pack-up and go back to Ireland?

[@splint3048]

I think she wan't to clear her name, and why not fight it, I think I'd rather live in Australia than Ireland.

[@cdickenson82]

She was working for a civilian organization of which involved Russia. Also aren't all their findings in the programs she's in open access? There are only two major space program launch facilities on earth, one in Russia and the other in America.

[@blobbafetta8532]

People are paranoid today. Poor gal…..

[@storyzamtaa]

I know!!! Even the comment section is disappointing 😏

[@TaylorTiree]

@@storyzamtaaI agree.

[@LadyBeyondTheWall]

@@storyzamtaa Completely! Some of these comments are actually disgusting and sickening, like saying *anyone* who speaks Russian should be kicked out of the country regardless. Paranoia and xenophobia is only going to make things worse, not better.

[@Kentucky81]

I see a lot of ignorant humans in this section. Boy you all obviously know nothing. You would easily be the ones someone snuck up on. And then say. Oh he was a good boy

[@laylah150]

Watch out there are Chinese/Russian spies under your bed😂😂

[@PNWTravels]

Also suspicious she defends a person who is not her friend saying he isnt a spy? But she really wouldnt know.

[@sergebreton6776]

From 🇨🇦. Her body language is certainly not clear. Her russian accent says a lot. You are the best Minutes among Australian news. Thks

[@lukeamato2348]

Shes guilty

[@davo.m4623]

Guilty written all over her face, send her packing!!!

[@marlonjaimon8325]

Follow the money

[@iamthenews5624]

Guilty!

[@Dutchkuno]

The husband is more spy looking personality compare to the wife .. .. Hahaha

[@oldman9642]

I would be more concerned with the Chinese. Everything the Chinese have is a copy of something that another country has made/done.

[@MyFavouriteStation]

She's innocent.

[@Pk-fi5hq]

Innocent or not if a country doesn’t want you there then you don’t have a right to be there

[@Oliverqueen007]

If it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck......

[@gantaalg4035]

Better for Asio to err on the side of caution. Job well done.

[@questioneryusef8264]

I love 60 Minutes. I also watched their Peak Oil episodes. Maybe the SPY is True. Love the interview.

[@G4NoChallenge]

russian - make that kazakhstan - bxxxx

[@shaiaheyes2c41]

She IS a liar.