Is Elnaz Rekabi in danger?
On Sunday, in Seoul, this Iranian climber participated in the Asian Climbing Championships without a veil, echoing the current protest movement against the violently repressed Islamic regime in Iran.
A historic gesture, since she became the first athlete from her country to present herself in this way, head dressed in a simple scarf, for more than 40 years.
Since the competition, which she finished in 4th place, concern has been growing about possible reprisals from power.
Monday evening, a BBC journalist specializing in Iran assured that her relatives had no news of her, before specifying that Rekabi had left the hotel where she was staying in the morning, two days earlier than expected.
Her passport and mobile phone were confiscated before she boarded a plane to Tehran.
The night manager at Seoul Garden Hotel has told BBC Persian that the team has checked out earlier today.
The team was meant to return to Tehran this Wednesday.
A source has told the BBC Persian that Elnaz's passport and mobile phone have been confiscated.
#iran #mahsaamini
— Rana Rahimpour (@ranarahimpour) October 17, 2022
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Finally, the athlete gave news this Tuesday, on his Instagram account.
In a story, the climber indicates that she is on her way back with the rest of the team.
She is due to land at Khomeini airport next night.
About hijab, she mentions an "unintentional problem", because of "inappropriate timing".
She also apologizes for the concern in her country.
In a press release published on Tuesday morning, the International Climbing Federation (IFSC) assures that it is in contact with Elnaz Rekabi and the Iranian Federation, and that it “will continue to monitor the evolution of the situation” upon the arrival of the athlete in Iran.
"Athlete safety is paramount to us and we support all efforts to ensure the safety of a valued member of our community in this situation," added the IFSC.
We fully support the rights of athletes, their choices and the expression of free speech.
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Headscarf