US EditionAustralia grants asylum to 5 members of Iranian women's soccer team, official says
Australia granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women soccer players after they sought asylum amid fears of persecution following a silent protest at the Asian Cup, officials said.
- On Tuesday , Australia granted asylum and issued humanitarian visas to five members of the Iranian women's soccer team, Australia's Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.
- After being knocked out over the weekend, the Iranian women's soccer team sought asylum, with five applying after at least seven left their hotel and families of three were threatened.
- The five protected women were identified as Fatemeh Pasandideh, Zahra Ghanbari, Zahra Sarbali, Atefeh Ramazanzadeh, and Mona Hamoudi, with Karimi saying 'It was amazing, mate' after their escape.
- Mr Burke said the rest of the team were offered the same opportunity and confirmed security clearances with ASIO and the AFP before approving visas.
- Public pressure intensified as petition signatories numbering more than 66,000 and more than 50,000 urged action, with supporters waving the pre-1979 Iranian flag and community supporters hoping more players will join.
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"They are welcome to stay in Australia," Australian Minister Tony Burke said about Iranian players
Australia's Home Affairs Minister has confirmed that humanitarian visas have been granted to five Iranian women's national football players who applied for asylum, and that others on the team are open to doing the same.
Australia Grants Refuge to Five Iran Female Soccer Players
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian female soccer players who sought asylum, citing fears for their safety after they declined to sing the national anthem during a match on the Gold Coast last week.
Five players from the Iranian national football team have received asylum in Australia.
Australia offers Iranian footballers asylum after daring escape
Iranian players saluting for the national anthem after being reprimanded for not singing in an earlier match. Photo: Getty Images Five members of the Iranian women's soccer team are being protected by police after staging a dramatic escape from their handlers at a Brisbane hotel.
The Iranian players refused to sing the national anthem before their first game in the Asian Cup, two days after the start of the war launched by the United States and Israel.
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