The two Iranian footballers who sought asylum in Australia have supported a man caught recklessly driving at their team’s bus following concerns of persecution.
Political refugee Mohammad Zargarvafa, hailing from Iran, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday pleading guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle.
The court was told the charge related to an incident on March 10 involving the Iranian women’s soccer team where he drove his Volkswagen Amarok dual-cab utility vehicle at the team’s bus as it travelled to the airport, with the team inside.
The 35-year-old wove his car through a police convoy, up the side of the bus, travelling about 80m on the wrong side of the road before coming to a stop on a median strip.
His car was adorned in Australian flags and those of the Iranian monarchy.
Alleged footage of the incident was released by Iran’s First International News Network, Press TV, a network that has received criticism for issuing propaganda on behalf of the regime.
At the time, the women’s soccer team was competing in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast when war broke out between the US, Israel and the Middle East.
During their match, several Iranian players chose not to sing their national anthem in what was seen as a silent protest against the Islamic Republic regime.
The court was told the women were labelled as “wartime traitors” and threatened with death upon their return.
As a result, fears for their safety upon their return to Iran grew and seven team members were granted asylum; however, five chose to fly home.
By Mr Zargarvafa’s side in court were Iranian footballers who chose to stay, Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh, the former of which wrote a reference to the court in support of Mr Zargarvafa.
Ms Ramezanisadeh’s reference noted the intense fears held by the Iranian community who were under “considerable emotional stress” and concerns regarding family members at home.
A handful of other members of the Iranian diaspora community were also in attendance at court, providing references to Mr Zargarvafa’s intention and character.
The court was told Mr Zargarvafa committed the act as he feared for the team’s welfare in Iran.
“It was a desperate act committed in some truly unique circumstances,” defence solicitor Sam Jackson said.
“My client’s remorse is palpable.
“The fact is, he thought he was doing the right thing at the time when he chose to act in the manner which he did.
“Something which, to the benefit of hindsight, he accepts is wrong and dangerous, including to the risk of danger to the people he sought to protect.”
The court was told Mr Zargarvafa sought asylum himself in about 2010, fleeing political persecution in Iran.
Mr Jackson implored the court to consider Mr Zargarvafa’s well-meaning intentions, standing in the community, and commitment to his family, who relied on him for financial support, in determining his sentence.
He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving or holding a licence for six months.
No conviction was recorded.
The Gold Coast father was also originally charged with evasion; however, prosecution advised they would not be pursuing the matter following conversations with the defendant.
The charge was dismissed.