Chess Player Risking Life Reveals Bare Face... Eventually Obtains Spanish Citizenship

Risk of Retaliation by Iranian Government for Not Wearing Hijab
"Spanish Citizenship Granted Considering Special Circumstances"
Participated in World Chess Championship Last December

Chess player Sara Kadem (25), who faced the risk of retaliation from the Iranian government after participating in an international competition without wearing a hijab, has reportedly acquired Spanish nationality.

Spanish local media outlet El Pa?s cited Pilar Llop, Spain's Minister of Justice, on the 26th (local time), reporting that "the Ministry of Justice granted Sara Kadem Spanish nationality and citizenship considering her special circumstances."

Kadem participated in the International Chess Federation (FIDE) 'World Rapid & Blitz Chess Championship' held in Almaty, Kazakhstan, last December. In this competition, she appeared without wearing a hijab, showing her bare face.

Sara Kadem Photo by Yonhap News

At that time, Iranian media also focused on Kadem's appearance at the competition without a hijab. Born in 1997, Kadem is a chess player ranked 804th in the world.

Foreign media praised Kadem's courage but also expressed concerns that Kadem and her family could face retaliation from the government if they returned to Iran.

In fact, after the competition ended, Kadem did not return to Iran but moved to Spain. The media reported, "Kadem is well aware that her life would be in danger if she returned to Iran due to the photos released showing her without a hijab," adding, "The Kadem couple owns an apartment in Spain but does not want to disclose its location due to safety concerns."

Kadem also met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S?nchez last January, about a month after seeking asylum in Spain. At that time, Prime Minister S?nchez emphasized on Twitter, "Your (Kadem's) case has contributed to making a better world," and "I send support to all female athletes."

Meanwhile, in Iran, large-scale anti-government protests erupted following the suspicious death of university student Mahsa Amini (22), who was arrested by police last September for not properly wearing a hijab.