WANA (Oct 14) – The gang rape allegations against four Iranian track and field athletes have been dismissed. According to the spokesperson for Iran’s Athletics Federation, Akbarloo, footage circulating on social media proved that the complainant’s statements were false, and the case is now moving in a different legal direction.
The accusations, which had drawn significant public attention in recent weeks, have now been formally dropped. In his latest remarks, Akbarloo confirmed that the charge of gang rape against the four individuals — including members of Iran’s national athletics team — has been lifted.
He explained: “Our lawyers, confident in their case, presented evidence obtained from social media. The judge showed the complainant videos from those sources, and at that moment, she admitted she had not told the truth — that’s when everything changed.”
Rape Allegations Against Iranian Athletes Dropped in South Korea. Social media/ WANA News Agency
The federation spokesperson added: “The case is no longer centered on the charge of gang rape. After further questioning, it might be reclassified as a violation of sports conduct or hotel regulations. Ultimately, that decision rests with the judge.”
The shift in the case followed the presentation of new digital evidence widely shared across Iranian media, leading to the dismissal of the allegations against the athletes.