Athlete Elnaz Rekabi had competed in an international climbing competition wearing a simple bandana rather than a veil, as required by Iran’s dress code. NGOs worry about his fate.
The relatives of the mountaineer in the sights? The family home of Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi, who was arrested by Iran’s morality police for not wearing a veil in a sports competition, has been demolished, multiple foreign media reports.
A video showing a destroyed home with sports medals amid the rubble circulated on social media this week. We also see Davood Rekabi, brother of Elznaz, also a sportsman, crying at the sight of the ruins. The origin and date of these images have not been confirmed.
An act of revenge for opponents of the regime
The semi-official Iranian agency Tasmi confirmed the demolition of the house without giving the reasons for the demolition. Activists opposed to the Iranian government believe it is an act of revenge against the champion who defied Tehran. According to the Iranian authorities, however, the demolition could be explained by the lack of building permits.
The athlete had defied the Islamic Republic’s dress code by participating in an international climbing competition in Seoul, South Korea, wearing a simple bandana on his head.
Her gesture was interpreted as a gesture of solidarity with the demonstrations in Iran, while the Islamic Republic of Iran requires Iranian athletes to wear the veil even when competing abroad.
She also returned to Tehran and no longer wore a hijab – as Iran imposes on all women – but a cap and hood, cheered on by the crowd.
The arrested athlete?
According to online outlet Iran Wire, the climber was then caught by the head of the Iranian Climbing Association, also a former member of the Ministry of Information, and detained in the utmost secrecy, possibly at Evin Prison, known for housing many political prisoners in Tehran.
Twice the athlete posted two messages in the form of an apology on his Instagram account, in which he claimed that his scarf accidentally slipped during the competition.
These comments have raised concerns from several overseas human rights organizations, who have wondered about the possible pressure she might face.
Iran is witnessing a rare protest movement in the country following the death of 22-year-old Mahfsa Amini, days after she was arrested by vice squads for not wearing her veil properly. The authorities announced this Sunday the abolition of this police force.