The two Iranian footballers who sought asylum in Australia have supported a man caught recklessly driving at their team\u2019s bus following concerns of persecution.<\/p>\n
Political refugee Mohammad Zargarvafa, hailing from Iran, appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Monday pleading guilty to dangerous operation of a vehicle.<\/p>\n
The court was told the charge related to an incident on March 10 involving the Iranian women\u2019s soccer team where he drove his Volkswagen Amarok dual-cab utility vehicle at the team\u2019s bus as it travelled to the airport, with the team inside.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
His car was adorned in Australian flags and those of the Iranian monarchy. <\/p>\n
Alleged footage of the incident was released by Iran\u2019s First International News Network, Press TV, a network that has received criticism for issuing propaganda on behalf of the regime.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
At the time, the women\u2019s soccer team was competing in the AFC Women\u2019s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast when war broke out between the US, Israel and the Middle East. <\/p>\n
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. <\/p>\n
The court was told the women were labelled as \u201cwartime traitors\u201d and threatened with death upon their return.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
By Mr Zargarvafa\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Ms Ramezanisadeh\u2019s reference noted the intense fears held by the Iranian community who were under \u201cconsiderable emotional stress\u201d and concerns regarding family members at home.<\/p>\n
A handful of other members of the Iranian diaspora community were also in attendance at court, providing references to Mr Zargarvafa\u2019s intention and character.<\/p>\n
The court was told Mr Zargarvafa committed the act as he feared for the team\u2019s welfare in Iran.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a desperate act committed in some truly unique circumstances,\u201d defence solicitor Sam Jackson said. <\/p>\n
\u201cMy client\u2019s remorse is palpable.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fact is, he thought he was doing the right thing at the time when he chose to act in the manner which he did.<\/p>\n
\u201cSomething 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.\u201d <\/p>\n
The court was told Mr Zargarvafa sought asylum himself in about 2010, fleeing political persecution in Iran. <\/p>\n
Mr Jackson implored the court to consider Mr Zargarvafa\u2019s well-meaning intentions, standing in the community, and commitment to his family, who relied on him for financial support, in determining his sentence.<\/p>\n
He was fined $1000 and disqualified from driving or holding a licence for six months. <\/p>\n
No conviction was recorded.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The charge was dismissed.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"The two Iranian footballers who sought asylum in Australia have supported a man caught recklessly driving at 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