Iranian journalists seek asylum in Australia and New Zealand
Two Iranian journalists came to the Women’s World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand to report on them. But they don’t want to go back.
Two journalists working for an Iranian state newspaper want to apply for asylum at the World Cup finals in Australia and New Zealand, according to a report.
Reporter Saeed Soheidian and photographer Naeem Ahmadi have no plans to return to their homeland, the Islah News online portal reported. The two journalists working for the government newspaper “Iran” traveled to Australia to attend the World Cup matches.
It is not an isolated case
According to the newspaper, photojournalist Ahmadi confirmed these plans. The two journalists did not initially comment on their social media channels. There have been repeated cases in the past of Iranians applying for asylum during international events.
Recently, the case of chess player Sarsadat Shadmal Shariah made headlines. The young teacher competed in a competition held in Kazakhstan last December without a head covering, violating the requirements of the Islamic Republic. She also did not return to her homeland.
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