Australian authorities are being urged to step up and protect an Iranian soccer team as it wraps up its Women's Asian Cup campaign.
There are "grave concerns" the footballers will face retribution if and when they return home after refusing to sing the national anthem before their tournament-opening game against South Korea in what was viewed as a silent protest.
Footage from a state-controlled television broadcaster in Iran showed a conservative presenter labelling the women's actions "the height of shamelessness and betrayal" and calling them traitors, sparking fears the regime could arrest the players on their return.
Corruption and treason can be punishable by death in Iran.
The players sang the anthem and saluted before their second match on Thursday night against Australia after they were allegedly instructed to do so by the regime.
A letter signed by 12 Iranian community organisations and civil society groups has been sent to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke.
It outlines "grave concerns" and says the current wartime environment in Iran has intensified repression, fear and the risks faced by people perceived as traitors.
The letter calls for no players to leave Australia while credible fears for their safety remain, for independent legal advice to be provided and for Australia to make it clear humanitarian obligations to players at risk of persecution and harm will be upheld.
“The players are not simply visiting athletes, they are women under the authority of a barbaric authoritarian state that has a long record of punishing perceived disobedience, including through intimidation, coercion, torture and reprisals against family members,” the letter says.
It is unclear what help Australia can or will offer, given there are fears family members in Iran might be in danger if the footballers seek asylum after their tournament wraps on Sunday night.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong would not say whether her government had made contact with the players but said Australia stood in solidarity with them.
“It has been really moving for Australians to see them in Australia and the Matildas swapping jerseys with them was a very evocative moment,” she told ABC’s Insiders program on Sunday.
“This regime has brutally murdered many of its own people. We know this regime has brutally oppressed many Iranian women."
Former Australian of the Year and human rights advocate Craig Foster called for football's governing bodies - FIFA and tournament organiser AFC - to uphold their obligations to players.
“If any player feels unsafe for any reason, whether in camp or following, they are entitled to make this clear to the AFC and FIFA, who must immediately secure their safety,” he said.
“The Australian government should ensure that no players are forced to leave against their wishes or will, and provide all opportunities to be satisfied this is not the case.”
