Iran Denies Reports Cristiano Ronaldo Faces 99 Lashes for Kissing Artist Fatemeh Hamami
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the news recently for his meeting with artist Fatemeh Hamami in Iran last month. Reports have suggested that Ronaldo faces 99 lashes for kissing Hamami, but Iran has strongly denied these reports.
Ronaldo travelled to Iran with his Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr last month as they played Persepolis in the AFC Champions League. Before Al-Nassr’s match, Ronaldo met with Hamami in Iran’s capital Tehran where she presented him with two portraits which she had painted with her feet due to her paralysis.
During his meeting with Hamami, Ronaldo hugged her and kissed her on the head, and his actions led to reports in Iranian media which claimed that lawyers have filed charges against the five-time Ballon d’Or winner for committing adultery. Law in Iran forbids affectionate gestures between a man and a woman who are not married.
However, Iran ‘strongly denies’ reports that Ronaldo will face punishment if he returns to Iran. A statement from the Iranian embassy in Spain read: ‘We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran. It is a matter of concern that the publication of such unfounded news could overshadow crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.’
Why is Ronaldo Meeting with Hamami?
Fatemeh Hamami is an Iranian artist who is paralyzed from the waist down. She has become well known for her artworks which she paints with her feet. Ronaldo was touched by her story and wanted to meet her when he visited Iran last month.
During their meeting, Ronaldo hugged and kissed Hamami on the head as a gesture of appreciation and admiration. This led to reports in Iranian media claiming that lawyers have filed charges against Ronaldo for committing adultery.
What Did Iran Say About the Reports?
Iran has strongly denied reports that Ronaldo will face punishment if he returns to Iran. A statement from the Iranian embassy in Spain read: ‘We strongly deny the issuance of any court ruling against any international athlete in Iran. It is a matter of concern that the publication of such unfounded news could overshadow crimes against humanity and war crimes against the oppressed Palestinian nation.’
What Happens Next?
It remains to be seen what will happen next, but it is clear that Iran does not want to punish Ronaldo for his actions. The Iranian embassy in Spain has stated that Ronaldo was ‘very well received by the people and the authorities’ during his visit and that his ‘sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.’
Conclusion
Cristiano Ronaldo has been in the news recently for his meeting with artist Fatemeh Hamami in Iran last month. Reports have suggested that Ronaldo faces 99 lashes for kissing Hamami, but Iran has strongly denied these reports. The Iranian embassy in Spain has stated that Ronaldo was ‘very well received by the people and the authorities’ during his visit and that his ‘sincere and humane meeting with Fatemeh Hamami was also praised and admired by both the people and the country’s sports authorities.’ It remains to be seen what will happen next, but it is clear that Iran does not want to punish Ronaldo for his actions.