Refugee Council questions Australia's Iran strategy at Women's Asian Cup

"Critics argue the outcome might have been different had the women been provided with independent legal advice earlier and the process not been so rushed."

"We ended up with an outcome that is certainly far from ideal, said Graham Thom, advocacy coordinator for the Refugee Council of Australia."

"Winning the propaganda war had overshadowed the women's welfare, said Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a political scientist who spent time in Iranian prisons."

"Iran has claimed victory in the extraordinary public relations battle that played out since Immigration Minister Tony Burke released to the media a photo of him posing with five women."

The Iranian women's football team faced a political tug of war involving Australia and the United States, resulting in the return of five players who initially sought asylum. Critics argue that the rushed process and lack of independent legal advice compromised the women's best interests. Advocacy groups express concern over the implications of the media strategy employed by the Australian government, which may have prioritized public relations over the welfare of the players. The situation raises questions about the safety and well-being of those who returned to Iran.

Read at www.aljazeera.com