After Hijab Controversy, Iranian Chess Official Considers Her Next Move

NEWCASTLE, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 10: Iranian chess arbiter Shohreh Bayat is picked up from Newcastle train station by a friend from the chess community in Newcastle, England on February 10, 2020. "Remember my reason for leaving" by folk musician Barry Fitzpatrick plays on the sound system in the car. Ms. Bayat, an arbiter with the chess governing body FIDE, was presiding over a tournament in China in January when a picture of her appearing not to wear a hijab circulated in Iranian media. Commentary in the press and online accused her of flouting Iranian law, which requires women to wear a headscarf when appearing in public. Seeing this response, Ms. Bayat quickly grew afraid of returning to her country, worried she would be arrested. She is now staying with friends in the United Kingdom, where she says she is considering her options, unsure of what the future holds. (Photo by Hollie Adams/Getty Images)