ZCZC
BSP-19
SWIM-WORLD-2019-ARREST-HUN
Hungarian swimmer held in Korea over alleged sexual harassment
GWANGJU, South Korea, July 28, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Hungarian swimmer Tamas
Kenderesi, who has been competing at the world championships in South Korea,
has been banned from leaving the country after being arrested for alleged
sexual harassment, police said Sunday.
Local police are investigating allegations against the Olympic bronze
medallist, who was detained and questioned over an incident at a nightclub in
Gwangju, some 330 kilometres (200 miles) south of Seoul, a police official
told AFP.
Hungarian team officials and swimming’s governing body FINA confirmed that
Kenderesi had been released from custody and returned to the athletes
village, but he would not be allowed to leave the country for the next 10
days.
“The Hungarian swim federation, in cooperation with staff at the Hungarian
embassy in Korea, is doing its best to clarify the allegations against Tamas
Kenderesi,” Hungary’s swimming federation said in a statement.
“During the investigation, the athlete is entitled to a presumption of
innocence, but if formally found guilty the federation will seek further
action.
“The Hungarian swimming federation condemns any act that violates human
dignity, and requires that members of the national swim team behave in a
manner that is respectful of national colours and sports traditions.”
Kenderesi, who took bronze in the men’s 200 metres butterfly at the 2016
Rio Olympics and is the European silver medallist, has denied the allegation,
according to local media.
The 22-year-old finished last in the world championship final of the 200m
fly earlier this week.
FINA executive director Cornel Marculescu told AFP: “For now he is free
but he cannot travel out of Korea. We will see what the next step is.”
Kenderesi’s arrest comes a day after an indoor balcony at a Gwangju
nightclub collapsed, killing two local people and injuring several athletes
competing at the world championships.
BSS/AFP/BZC/1835HRS