Egyptian Olympic wrestler arrested in Paris on charges of sexual assault

IMAGE/ @Manora23 X

Egyptian Olympic wrestler arrested in Paris on charges of sexual assault

Festus Chuma 10:12 - 10.08.2024

A prominent Egyptian Olympic wrestler faces charges of sexual assault and public intoxication in Paris.

Shock has engulfed Cairo as news broke that Egyptian wrestler Mohamed Ibrahim El-Sayed was arrested in Paris following allegations of sexual assault and public intoxication.

El-Sayed, an accomplished athlete who has represented Egypt in international competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, now faces serious accusations that could potentially end his career.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday near the Seine River at Quai d’Austerlitz in Paris.

According to police reports, El-Sayed was taken into custody around 4:30 am after allegedly harassing a woman in a local bar.

The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that the wrestler was heavily intoxicated during the incident.

El-Sayed, who had been eliminated early in the Round of 16 at a recent Men’s Greco-Roman 67 kg event, was granted permission by the Egyptian camp to watch a wrestling match in his weight category.

However, concerns arose when he failed to return to the camp and subsequently turned off his phone.

His sudden disappearance and the circumstances leading to his arrest have stunned his teammates and fans alike.

Yasser Idriss, the President of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, expressed his dismay and reiterated the committee's commitment to maintaining strict discipline.

"If the allegations against Mr. El-Sayed are proven, he will face severe consequences, including permanent suspension from both domestic and international competitions," Idriss stated.

He further emphasized the need for all athletes to uphold the highest standards of behavior, reflecting on the values that sports aim to foster.

El-Sayed's arrest not only puts his future in the sport at risk but also casts a shadow over his previous achievements.

With five gold medals from the African Championships, two from the African Games, and two more from the World U23 Championships, El-Sayed has been a prominent figure in Egyptian wrestling.

His fall from grace is a significant blow to the community and serves as a stark reminder of how quickly circumstances can change.

The Egyptian Olympic Committee has announced that it will cooperate fully with French authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.

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