Calls intensify for Australia to grant asylum to Iran's women's football team
Australia should safeguard the Iranian women's football team currently visiting the country, according to the son of the nation's former shah, who warned on Monday that their decision not to sing the national anthem before a match might lead to severe repercussions.
The players from Iran chose not to sing prior to an Asian Cup match in Australia last week, an action interpreted broadly as resistance against the Islamic republic.
Reza Pahlavi, based in the US, added his support to an expanding group advocating for Australia to provide asylum to the women, aligning with politicians, human rights advocates, and even writer J.K. Rowling.
"The players on the Iranian Women's National Football Team face considerable pressure and persistent danger from the Islamic Republic," stated Pahlavi, son of Iran's last shah.
"I urge the Australian authorities to secure their protection and offer them every form of assistance required," he posted on social media.
Pahlavi, absent from Iran since prior to the 1979 Islamic revolution that ended the monarchy, presents himself as the figure to guide a shift to a democratic, secular Iran, while the religious government battles to endure.
Protect our daughters
The Iranian team members declined to sing during the playing of their anthem before a match versus South Korea, just two days after the US and Israel initiated conflict with the nation.
In retaliation, a host on Iranian state TV labelled the team as "traitors during wartime".
Supporters beat drums and called for "a change of regime in Iran" outside the Gold Coast venue where the team competed in their final game at the weekend, as reported by local news outlets.
Afterwards, they encircled the Iranian team's transport, chanting "free them" and "protect our daughters".
Canberra has yet to address whether it might extend asylum to the players.
When questioned on the matter Sunday, Foreign Minister Penny Wong indicated that Australia "expresses solidarity" with Iran's population.
Zaki Haidari, a campaigner for Amnesty International, warned that returning them could result in harassment or graver outcomes.
"Certain members of the team likely already have relatives under threat," Haidari shared with AFP.
"If they return, the nature of any penalties remains uncertain," he added.
Even under close scrutiny, the group might find a "brief chance" to apply for asylum at the airport, he noted.
J.K. Rowling, creator of Harry Potter, urged on social media to "please safeguard these young women".
The Iranian embassy in Australia offered no reply to a comment request.