Iranian athletes defy threats to back Olympic ban

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Iranian athletes defy threats to back Olympic ban
Self-exiled Iranian athletes are urging Olympic organisers to investigate their country over allegations of abuse. Claiming they have endured threats for speaking out, three athletes explain why they won't be deterred.
© Mahdi Jafargholizadeh
Mahdi Jafargholizadeh won several medals for Iran in international karate tournaments
Sitting nervously in an airport, Mahdi Jafargholizadeh had a hunch his getaway plan had been rumbled.
A karate champion in Iran, he had paid a smuggler to take him to Canada, but his journey ended at the boarding gate.
He was arrested in 2004 on suspicion of planning to be a spy for Israel, Iran's arch-enemy.

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