Iranian Women Footballers Rescued in Brisbane Asylum Bid Continues
On March 9, five members of Iran's national women's soccer team were granted humanitarian visas by Australia after staging a daring escape from their handlers at a hotel in Brisbane and seeking asylum there.
Key Points
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1Five members of Iran's national soccer team were granted humanitarian visas by Australia after escaping their handlers in a hotel.
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2Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed that these players, who are female athletes from an Asian Cup squad, will remain protected under asylum status.
Developments
Perspectives
Five members of Iran's Asian Cup team are being protected by police after staging a dramatic escape from their handlers at a hotel in Australia.
— (Football360.com.au)Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke confirmed the women had been granted humanitarian visas to avoid persecution for refusing orders, and he met with them last night before announcing they would remain protected by police while asylum applications were processed. The group is being treated as refugees seeking safety from their home country.
— (Thewest.com.au)The federal government has confirmed five Iranian football players will stay in Australia after Donald Trump called the Prime Minister, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stating he met them last night to discuss granting asylum and avoiding persecution. They are currently under police protection while their visa status is finalized.
— (Abc.net.au)It's understood that Australian officials have flown out of Sydney or Brisbane specifically for the Iranian women, with Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke traveling directly from Canberra in an official capacity to meet them and discuss granting humanitarian visas so they can seek asylum rather than face persecution.
— (Sbs.com.au)Five members of the Iranian women's Asian Cup team were granted humanitarian visas and protected by Australian police after escaping their handlers to avoid persecution for refusing to sing Iran's national anthem. While President Donald Trump confirmed that five players are now safe in Australia, he noted via social media that some remaining squad members expressed concern about returning home due to threats against family safety rather than a desire to stay abroad.
Five members of Iran's women's football team have received humanitarian visas from Australia after being moved into secure locations by the Australian Federal Police, a decision confirmed following security clearance with ASIO and AFP. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke stated that while these players are athletes seeking safety rather than activists like some reports claimed, their teammates remain eligible for similar offers if they choose to apply in the future.