TEHRAN – Two Iranian athletes have been acquitted of the charges against them by South Korea’s Supreme Court after 16 months of legal proceedings and have left Seoul for Tehran, according to Iran’s embassy in South Korea.
 In a statement, the embassy said it had closely followed the case and the two athletes’ situation from its earliest days and had seen them off at the airport as they returned to Iran.
The embassy said protecting the rights, dignity and interests of Iranian citizens residing or present in South Korea was among its fundamental responsibilities, adding that it would continue working to support Iranian nationals, facilitate their affairs and help resolve obstacles and difficulties they face.
It expressed hope that the return of the two athletes, after months of separation and waiting, would mark the beginning of a new period of peace, dignity and success for them.