Iranian Climber Elnaz Rekabi Located, Says Not Wearing Hijab Was Unintentional
Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian competitive climber, returned to Tehran early on Wednesday morning to a hero's welcome after competing in South Korea without the headscarf that is customarily required of Iranian sports women from the Islamic Republic.
Document Women had earlier reported that supporters and Farsi-language media outside of Iran have worried about Rekabi's safety after she chose to compete without the hijab.
However, on Monday, an Instagram post from an account purportedly belonging to Rekabi described her lack of hijab as "unintentional," though it was unclear whether she wrote the post or what condition she was in at the time. This is especially concerning, given the frequency with which the Iranian government pressures activists at home and abroad, airing what rights group describe as coerced confessions on state television.
Vast numbers of people were shown in a viral video waiting to leave the country through Imam Khomeini International Airport west of Tehran. The films, which matched up with recognizable aspects of the airport, showed large crowds chanting Rekabi's name and proclaiming her a hero.
She entered a terminal at the airport, and state television camera captured her entrance. Observers handed her flowers, and she continued on her way.
Once outside, she presumably boarded a van and was transported slowly through the cheering crowd.
According to the Iranian Embassy in South Korea, Rekabi flew out of Seoul on Tuesday morning. According to the BBC's Persian service, which is well connected within Iran despite being barred from broadcasting there, Iranian officials confiscated both Rekabi's cell phone and passport.
According to BBC Persian, her original return date was Wednesday, but she had to make an unexpectedly early departure.
Rekabi reportedly appeared to the weeklong climbing competition wearing a hijab, according to the Federation. On Sunday, she competed while wearing only a black headband over her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail and a white jersey emblazoned with the flag of Iran.
After some time passed, Rekabi published a first-person Instagram apology. Despite footage showing Rekabi calm as she approached and after the competition, the post blamed a sudden call for her to scale the wall. It also tried to paint a picture of her return to Iran on Tuesday as planned.
Iranian-Canadian journalist and founder of Iran-focused website IranWire Maziar Bahari had previously been jailed by Iran, and the website has claimed that upon her arrival in the country, Rekabi would be sent to Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. This past weekend, at least eight inmates perished in a devastating fire at Evin Prison.
Women who represent Iran in international competitions are expected to cover their hair in line with the country's ruling.
The International Federation of Sport Climbing, which monitored the competition, stated in a statement that they were aware that she was returning to Iran and would be keeping an eye on the issue once she got there, "It is important to stress that athletes' safety is paramount for us and we support any efforts to keep a valued member of our community safe in this situation."
When contacted by The Associated Press, the federation said it had spoken with both Rekabi and Iranian officials, but it would not comment on the specifics of those conversations. Federation officials also wouldn't comment on Rekabi's purported Instagram post and its assertions.