02 The Road to Bondi | A Test of Character

About this episode

The episode tells the story of AB, an Iranian refugee whose life takes a dramatic turn after a terror attack in Bondi.

This man fled Iran after being imprisoned and tortured for protesting the regime. Known only as AB, he came to Australia hoping to start again — and, in many ways, he did. He found love and started a family. But he also made poor choices, fell into drugs and became violent towards his partner. Now his future in Australia is in jeopardy. He was living with those consequences when the Bondi terror attack unfolded around him. He ran towards the gunfire, and risked his life to help others. Now the country that once gave him refuge wants to deport him.

People in this episode

Guest: AB

Topics covered

• immigration
• personal struggle
• violence
• redemption
• terrorism
• refugee experience

Keywords

• Iran
• Australia
• refugee
• Bondi
• terror attack
• violence
• redemption
• drugs

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Iran, Australia, Bondi

More episodes of Background Briefing

• 03 Tammy's Story | New Asylums · June 11, 2026 · 33 min
• 02 Tammy's Story | Searching for Safety · June 3, 2026 · 32 min
• 01 Tammy's Story | The Red Cup · May 27, 2026 · 30 min
• Introducing | Tammy's Story · May 14, 2026 · 1 min
• 03 In Search of the Missing Artist | The Name · April 24, 2026 · 33 min
• 02 In Search of the Missing Artist | The Plastic · April 17, 2026 · 34 min