Sexual harassment probe: Hungarian swimmer banned from leaving Korea
Tamas Kenderesi has been banned from leaving Korea over alleged sexual harassment at a Gwangju nightclub. AFP
By Jung Min-ho
Hungarian swimmer Tamas Kenderesi, 22, has been banned from leaving Korea after being detained for allegedly sexually harassing a Korean woman.
The Rio Olympics bronze medalist, who is competing at the FINA World Championships in Gwangju, was detained Sunday for allegedly groping a woman, 18, at a nightclub about 3 a.m.
According to the Gwangju Seobu Police Station Monday, he was released Sunday but banned from leaving the country for the next 10 days while the investigation continues.
Kenderesi expressed his wish to return home after depositing with the court a sum equivalent to an estimated fine for such a crime, police said.
Hungary's swimming governing body confirmed his situation.
“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.
“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 colors and sports traditions.”
According to
, a local media outlet, Kenderesi denied the allegations.
“I didn't even stop behind her, I made a single, perhaps brash move that made the girl seriously angry and she pressed charges against me,” he
. “After understanding the gravity of the situation, I cooperated fully the whole time.
“I sincerely hope my words about not committing any serious offense will be proven. But I also understand that, even though unintentionally, I have violated certain moral norms that are the basis of local values.
“I am sorry for what happened. I would like to apologize to the Korean girl if I offended her. However, I fully reject the sexual harassment allegation.”