Iranian groups living overseas raised concerns about the fate of an Iranian female rock climber who did not wear a headscarf at an international competition in South Korea, and she has since returned to Iran.
On Sunday in Seoul, Elnaz Rekabi, 33, took part in the Asian Championships of the International Federation of Sport Climbing without wearing a hijab. Social media users shared videos of her competing while sporting a headband and a ponytail.
Rekabi arrived in Tehran early on Wednesday, according to IRNA, the official state news agency. She can be seen arriving at the Imam Khomeini International Airport in the capital in videos shared on social media. She also spoke to the media, as witnessed.
More social media footage appeared to show people gathered inside and outside the airport, yelling, “Elnaz the hero.”
It is unknown if Rekabi is being detained or if she will experience consequences.
Her return to Iran coincides with widespread demonstrations there for greater rights for women in the wake of the death of a 22-year-old woman who passed away in police custody after being detained for reportedly wearing her hijab incorrectly.
Rekabi said in a tale shared on her Instagram page on Tuesday that she was “unintentionally” unable to conceal her hair because she was called to climb the wall.
“Due to bad timing and unexpectedly being called to climb the wall, I inadvertently created a problem with my head covering,” she wrote.
“Apologizing for the worries that I caused … currently, according to the pre-determined schedule I am returning to Iran with the team,” the IG story post said.
