Iranian Diplomat Defects, Seeks Asylum in Australia

0:00I'm Cory with the story, bringing you the latest from Sydney News today. A top Iranian diplomat in Australia has defected from the regime and received a asylum here three years ago in a story that's only now coming to light. Muhammad Pornazhav served as charged affairs at Iran's embassy in Canberra, making him their second most senior official down under at the time. This revelation surfaces amid recent drama with seven members of Iran's women's soccer team who sought asylum during a visit. No one, a 21-year-old player named Mahatase Zofi quickly changed her mind and returned home after consulting her teammates and coach. Members of Australia's Iranian community have mixed reactions. One activist, Nader Rajbar, says Pornazhav started cooperating with anti-regime groups before seeking protection in 2023, praising his. Decision to join the people and seek refuge. Others in the diaspora say they had no idea about his move. This month's earlier, in February 2023, Pornazhav was still publicly praising Iran's Islamic

1:03Republic at events in Canberra, calling in, a resilient democracy despite its challenges. Meanwhile, tensions remain high after Australia expelled Iran's ambassador last year over alleged spy agency links to bombings in Melbourne and Sydney. The soccer defectors were relocated to safety once the embassy got wind of their location. But for this DNN episode comes from our sponsor. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, solypillow.com