MANILA, Philippines – The Iranian beauty queen who got arrested by the Bureau of Immigration at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) last Thursday (Oct. 17) is now seeking asylum in the country.
Bahareh Zare Bahari claims her life will be in danger if she is going to be sent back to Iran for breaking the country’s tradition by joining beauty pageants.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will review Bahari’s request if she is qualified for asylum in the country.
Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they will verify the veracity of Bahari’s claim of being a victim of persecution in Iran.
“The main criterion is the existence or non-existence of political persecution in her home country,” said Guevarra.
The department will also put into consideration the reason for her arrest and other related details.
Bahari’s arrest at the NAIA was brought about by an Interpol red notice of an assault case filed against the beauty queen in Iran.
The said assault to a fellow Iranian, however, purportedly took place in the Philippines.
The DOJ will also determine if an Iranian court has jurisdiction over the said case.
“We’ll consider all relevant factors,” Guevarra added.
To date, Bahari is still under the custody of the BI at the NAIA.
Bahari is Iran’s representative to the 2018 Miss Intercontinental Pageant that was held in Manila in January this year. (from the report of Aiko Miguel) /mbmf
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