Jordanian sex suspects sent home by Paralympic Committee

By David Gold in London

August 23 - The three Jordanian Paralympic squad members charged with sexual assault have been sent home by the country's Paralympic Committee.

The Jordanian Paralympic Committee has informed the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and London 2012 of its decision following the trio's arrest.

Two wheelchair powerlifters and a trainer appeared in court in Northern Ireland yesterday charged with a variety of offences, with the Jordanian administration pledging to bring them back to court after they were released on bail.

Omar Sami Qaradhi and Motaz Al-Junadi (pictured above, centre and right), who won silver and bronze medals in powerlifting at Beijing 2008, and their coach Faisal Hammash (pictured above, left), are believed to be those facing charges.

They will now return to Jordan rather than travel to London for the Paralympics.

Both the country's Olympic and Paralympic Committees have taken a firm stand to make clear their disapproval of the behaviour for which their athletes are accused.

"The President and Board of the Jordanian Paralympic Committee (JPC) decided that although the case will not be heard again in court until October 18, it would be inappropriate for the accused athletes to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, so they will be sent home to Amman," read a statement from the Jordanian Paralympic Committee.

"We have a zero tolerance on any misconduct and will continue to work closely with the Northern Ireland authorities to assist in their investigation.

"However, our focus is now preparing the remaining members of the team for competition and we look forward to taking part in what promises to be a truly magnificent sporting event."

The Jordanian team has been in Antrim, Northern Ireland, training for the Paralympic Games which begin next week.

The rest of the squad was due to leave Northern Ireland yesterday as they head to London for the Games.

Jordan has sent 19 athletes and coaches to the Games, and won four medals in Beijing four years ago.

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