Iranian Footballers Hidden in Australia 0 9

Australia has granted asylum to Iranian footballers who refused to sing the national anthem. This was stated by the head of the Australian Ministry of Home Affairs, Tony Burke. According to him, the Australian police have already placed five athletes "in a safe place," and he approved and signed their applications for humanitarian visas.

"I can’t even imagine how difficult this decision was for each of the women," Burke wrote on social media, posting a joint photo with the five athletes who were smiling and applauding during the signing of the documents. "People were very happy to start a new life in Australia," the Prime Minister added.

The players of the Iranian women's national football team face persecution at home as they refused to sing the national anthem before a match against South Korea on March 2. This took place during the Asian Cup held in Australia. Iranian state TV called it "the height of dishonor." Before the next games, the athletes sang the anthem again.

On March 9, Donald Trump publicly urged Australia to grant asylum to the Iranian women. According to the U.S. President, they should not be sent back to their homeland, where they are "highly likely" to face death.