Iranian Athletes Charged with Sexual Assault in South Korea

Four members of the Iranian athletics team, who were in South Korea for the Asian Athletics Championships, have been indicted for the gang sexual assault of a South Korean woman in her twenties. The Daegu District Prosecutor's Office in Gimcheon announced on July 17 that they have charged three athletes and one coach with special rape offenses.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on the morning of May 31 at a hotel in Gumi, where the athletes allegedly assaulted the woman, referred to as Ms. B, after meeting her at a bar in the city. They reportedly took her to their hotel, which served as the Iranian team's accommodation, to commit the crime.

Initially, the police arrested all four members of the team, but one athlete was released due to claims that he did not directly participate in the assault. However, further investigation by the prosecution, which included victim interviews and the analysis of seized mobile phone evidence, led to the conclusion that this athlete was also involved, resulting in his subsequent arrest.

A prosecutor stated, 'This is a serious crime where members of the Iranian national team, who came to participate in the Asian Athletics Championships, collectively assaulted a South Korean woman. We will ensure that appropriate penalties are imposed and will continue to respond strictly to serious sexual violence crimes.'