After competing without hijab, Iranian chess player heads to Spain in wake of threats | 24CA News
An Iranian chess participant arrived in Spain on Tuesday after receiving what a supply near her stated had been warnings to not return to Iran for competing with no hijab at a global event in Kazakhstan.
Sara Khadem, born in 1997, took half in final week’s FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships in Almaty with out the hijab — a scarf obligatory below Iran’s strict gown codes.
The supply, who didn’t need to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter, stated Khadem subsequently obtained a number of cellphone calls through which people warned her in opposition to returning residence after the event, whereas others stated she ought to come again, promising to “solve her problem.”
The supply additionally stated Khadem’s kin and oldsters, who’re in Iran, had additionally obtained threats, with out giving additional particulars.
Iran’s overseas ministry didn’t instantly reply to a request for touch upon the case.
Khadem, who’s also called Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, arrived in Spain on Tuesday, the supply stated.
She has not responded to Reuters request for remark. Newspapers together with Le Figaro and El Pais reported final week that Khadem wouldn’t be returning to Iran and transferring to Spain.
The cellphone calls led to organizers deciding to offer safety with the co-operation of Kazakh police, leading to 4 bodyguards being stationed outdoors Khadem’s lodge room, the supply stated.
Hijab-wearing legal guidelines a flashpoint
Iran has been swept by demonstrations in opposition to the nation’s clerical management since mid-September, when 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish lady Mahsa Amini died within the custody of morality police who detained her for “inappropriate attire.”
Laws implementing obligatory hijab-wearing have grow to be a flashpoint through the unrest, with a string of sportswomen competing abroad showing with out their headscarves in public.
Khadem is ranked 804 on the earth, based on the International Chess Federation web site. The web site for the Dec. 25-30 occasion listed her as a participant in each the fast and blitz competitions.
The protests mark one of many boldest challenges to Iran’s management since its 1979 revolution and have drawn in Iranians from all walks of life.
Women have performed a outstanding function, eradicating and in some circumstances burning headscarves, whereas protesters have taken coronary heart from what they’ve seen as reveals of assist from each feminine and male Iranian athletes.
