Spain on Wednesday announced that Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, an Iranian chess player who relocated to Spain in January, has been granted Spanish citizenship.
Sarasadat Khademalsharieh, who is better known as Sara Khadem, had moved to Spain following a controversy in Iran.
Khadem had participated in the FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Chess Championships held in Kazakhstan in December. During the competition, she chose not to wear the mandatory hijab, which is required under Iran's strict Islamic dress codes. This decision led to an arrest warrant being issued against her in Iran.
Enforcement of mandatory hijab-wearing has been a contentious issue in Iran, and it became a focal point during the unrest in the country, particularly following the death of a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman named Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police in mid-September.
Despite the potential consequences she faced back home, the 26-year-old chess player, Khadem, expressed no regrets for her action, as it was seen as a gesture in support of the protest movement against Iran's clerical leadership.
Considering the circumstances of her case, Spain's cabinet approved the granting of citizenship to Khadem, as reported in the official gazette. This decision provides her with a new opportunity and protection in Spain, allowing her to continue her chess career without fear of repercussions from the Iranian authorities.
(With Reuters inputs)
