Protesters briefly attempted to intercept a bus they believed was carrying some of the Iranian women’s footballers as they left a Gold Coast hotel on Tuesday.
This was just a day after Australia issued humanitarian visas to five of the Iranian women’s footballers who had requested protection.
The protesters were removed by police, who then escorted the bus carrying the Iranian women’s footballers to the airport, marking the conclusion of a day filled with tension surrounding the Iranian women’s footballers, whose participation at the Asian Cup has been dominated by safety concerns.
Five Iranian women’s footballers were removed from a hotel by the Australian Federal Police and taken to a secure location after several days of negotiations with authorities.
According to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, the Iranian women’s footballers were issued humanitarian visas after they stated they were unable to return to Iran safely.
Following intense scrutiny during the Women’s Asian Cup in Australia, they made their decision.
Iran’s players silent performance of the national anthem prior to their first game, which sparked criticism from Iranian state media that called them “wartime traitors,” worries about the team increased.
Prior to the extraction, Australian authorities had already stationed police at various locations to safeguard the women.
Anthony Albanese, the Prime Minister of Australia stated at a press conference: “They’re safe here, and they should feel at home here.”
According to Burke, the offer of safety was still available to all the other members of the travelling group still in Australia, but he also stated not all of them might stay.
Iran was eliminated from the tournament on Sunday after losing 2-0 to the Philippines.
However, rights groups claim that the immediate danger might not be over.
Amnesty International Australia stated, “We welcome the government’s decision to offer safety to the five Iranian soccer players, but we still remain concerned about the safety of the rest of the Iranian soccer team, including the possibility of reprisals if they return home.”
