EILAT, Israel, Dec 13 (AFP): Miss India Harnaaz Sandhu was crowned Miss Universe in the Israeli city of Eilat early Monday, with several contestants defying pressure to boycott in support of the Palestinians.
The 70th edition of the annual pageant, held in Israel for the first time, has also faced complications from the coronavirus pandemic.
Sandhu took the top prize in the Red Sea resort with Paraguay's Nadia Ferreira first runner-up and Miss South Africa Lalela Mswane taking the second runner-up spot.
The Palestinian Campaign for the Academic and Cultural Boycott of Israel wrote: "We urge all participants to withdraw, to avoid complicity in Israel's apartheid regime and its violation of Palestinian human rights."
The 80 contestants also included Miss Morocco Kawtar Benhalima and Miss Bahrain Manar Nadeem Deyani.
Miss India wins Miss Universe
FE Team | Published: December 14, 2021 00:24:27
Harnaaz Sandhu
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