Iranian Athlete Who Competed Without Hijab Heads Home Amid Fears

Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi who represented her country at an international event in South Korea without wearing a hijab headed home Tuesday morning amid fears that she would get prosecuted upon her arrival in Tehran.

Ms Rekabi, 33, in open defiance against the Iranian regime, took part in the Asian Sport Climbing Championships in Seoul on Sunday without a headscarf and was soon reported to be missing.

According to the Telegraph (UK), Ms Rekabi's friends were unable to contact her since Sunday. The BBC, quoting "well-informed sources", claimed that her passport and mobile phone were confiscated.

Ms Rekabi finished fourth in the climbing championships but her decision to not wear a hijab, seen as a sign of protest against the Iranian regime, was broadcast across the world.

The Iranian embassy in South Korea strongly condemned the "misinformation" surrounding Ms Rekabi.

"Ms. Elnaz REKABI, departed from Seoul to Iran, early morning of October 18, 2022, along with the other members of the Team. The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea strongly denies all the fake, false news and disinformation regarding Ms. Elnaz REKABI," tweeted the Iranian embassy in Seoul.

Ms. Elnaz REKABI, departed from Seoul to Iran, early morning of October 18, 2022, along with the other members of the Team.
The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in South Korea strongly denies all the fake, false news and disinformation regarding Ms. Elnaz REKABI. pic.twitter.com/053pFWs96m

— Iran embassy in Seoul (@IraninSKorea) October 18, 2022

Ms Rekabi took to social media today to write that the "problem" with her hijab in the championship happened "unintentionally". The athlete also "apologised to the people of Iran" for the incident.

Iran has seen widespread protests across the country sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini who reportedly died after being tortured by Iran's morality police.

The European Union on Monday sanctioned Iran's morality police and other security forces for the death of Ms Amini and the brutal crackdown of protestors.

More than hundred protestors have been killed in clashes with security forces. The EU has also sanctioned the Iranian minister who oversaw internet bans and the Revolutionary Guards' cyber division.