Iranian climber Rekabi back in Tehran after performing in South Korea

Iranian climber Elnas Rekabi has returned to her home country after suddenly disappearing at the Asian Championships in Seoul. As reported by Iran’s Tasnim news agency, the 33-year-old arrived in the capital Tehran on Wednesday morning. In the final of the Asian Championships in South Korea, Rekabi caused a stir because she competed without a headscarf. Islamic clothing is mandatory for female athletes in the Iranian national team. Then she suddenly disappeared.

Numerous images on social media showed them welcoming people at Tehran airport and cheering for their action. The videos could not be independently verified initially. Her action in Seoul was seen by many as solidarity with anti-system protests in Iran.

According to media reports, Rekabi’s team left the hotel on Monday morning. It is not known what happened to her first. Rekabi’s passport and mobile phone were allegedly seized and there was also talk of an arrest. The Iranian embassy in Seoul categorically rejected such messages.

According to the Tasnim news agency, which acts as the mouthpiece of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Rekabi apologized for not wearing a headscarf. It happened “unintentionally”. That’s why she also apologized for the worries she had caused. Observers interpret the apology as a forced statement. The Iranian authorities regularly exert pressure. Persian-language media also reported that Rekabi’s brother had been arrested.

Since the nationwide protests erupted in Iran in mid-September, several prominent athletes have criticized the Islamic system of rule for the suppression of women’s protests and announced their solidarity with the protesters. (saw/sda/dpa)