Accusations of 'Dancing and Singing' Against Chilean Instructor of the World Karate Federation in Iran

Karol Delapaz (Chile), an instructor of the World Karate Federation, came to Iran a month ago for technical consultation with female kata practitioners. This controversial trip led her to leave Iran after three weeks with dissatisfaction. In an exclusive interview about her experiences in Iran, Delapaz answered questions from Radio Farda. Critics of the Karate Federation labeled her as a dancer and singer who came to Iran to promote 'decadent Western culture.' The website and Telegram channel 'Stars of Karate' have made political and security accusations against other prominent figures in Iranian karate and even referred to the federation's managers as 'the Mojahedin group.' Mohammad Ghadimi, the head of this site, called for punishment of the 'agent or agents' responsible for Delapaz's entry into Iran. Repeated threats from opponents led the Karate Federation to withdraw from cooperation with Delapaz. The 'Stars of Karate' website emphasized that 'confidentially, a former member of the Mojahedin in the federation has been told that this issue will be pursued through the relevant authorities.' This site, which is managed from Qom, continually makes similar accusations against Mohsen Ashouri, the secretary of the federation, without naming him. Delapaz told Radio Farda, 'People are free to do whatever they want and say whatever they want, as long as they do not harm others. I admire dancers; one day I will try it, but unfortunately, I was not born for this art.' In her message sent in both English and Spanish, she wrote, 'I see nothing wrong in the art of singing or dancing, but I am neither a dancer nor a singer.' The Chilean instructor emphasized that she entered Tehran from a seminar in China attended by the heads of the World Federation. She stated that she has traveled to many countries and has never experienced anything like this. She mentioned, 'In Iran, I encountered smiles and friendly interactions. I felt very good. I respected everyone in return, but what ultimately happened was unbelievable and unfair.' The Chilean Minister of Sports, as well as the Chilean embassy in Tehran and the Chilean consul, were aware of Karol Delapaz's trip. She explained the events that occurred, saying, 'The federation held a meeting with me and expressed interest in cooperation. However, the continuation of the story and the published materials are extremely insulting.' Delapaz stated, 'Last week in Germany, I met with Mr. Spinos, the president of the World Karate Federation. He is fully aware of these events and emphasized that he will speak with the officials of the Karate Federation in Iran at the earliest opportunity.' Delapaz noted that the Spanish president of the World Karate Federation has expressed his full support for her regarding the events in Tehran that should never have occurred. Delapaz reminded that she is still waiting for explanations from the officials of the Iranian Karate Federation, as they have not shown any specific reaction to those who insulted her unfairly.