Western Sydney University has been warned about a possible breach of Australian sanctions on Iran over the attendance of Press TV.   (Photo: File)

Sydney, June 27 (RHC)-- A university in Sydney, Australia, has been warned about a possible breach of Australian sanctions on Iran over the attendance of Press TV, Iran’s English–language TV network, in an event held on campus earlier this year.

The Australian Sanctions Office investigated the event held at Western Sydney University as a possible breach of sanctions placed on Press TV.  During a February event at the university's South Parramatta campus, the Benevolent Iranian Women's Association hosted an International Women's Day program focused on "clarifying misunderstandings" about Iranian women's rights.

Independent Australian senator Fatima Payman attended and gave an interview to Press TV, later shared on the group's social media platforms.

Senator Payman described Iran as an "incredible place" for women, comments she subsequently retracted with an apology under pressure.

The so-called Australian advocates for Iranian women sharply criticized the remarks, while raising concerns about Press TV's unrestricted operations in Australia. 

Kylie Moore-Gilbert, who spent two years in detention in Iran on espionage charges, claimed that Press TV's coverage of the event put "the integrity of the entire sanctions regime into question."

A Sydney university spokesperson stated they were unaware of Press TV's involvement or the event's complete details when approving the booking.

"The university was contacted by the Australian Sanctions Office," they said, adding that "notwithstanding the circumstances of the booking, the Australian Sanctions Office has provided an informal warning to the university.”

"The university has cooperated fully with the Australian Sanctions Office and the university has taken measures to prevent a similar incident from occurring," they added.  It is not known if other actions or warnings have been issued to others involved in the event, but sources have told the ABC that Senator Payman has not been issued a warning.

The Australian government has imposed bans on a number of Iranian individuals and entities, including Press TV, as part of the Western pressure campaign against the Islamic Republic.

[ SOURCE:  PRESS TV and NEWS AGENCIES ]