An Iranian climber who caused a sensation by competing at an event abroad without a hijab was yesterday given a hero’s welcome on her return to Tehran by supporters who raucously applauded her action.
With Iran still shaken by women-led protests over the death of Mahsa Amini one month ago, Elnaz Rekabi flew back to a Tehran airport after competing in the International Federation of Sport Climbing Asian Championships in Seoul.
Rekabi has apologized over what happened on Sunday, and said her hijab — which all Iranian women including athletes must wear — had accidentally slipped off.
Photo: EPA-EFE
However, activists fear her comments were made due to pressure from the Iranian authorities.
“Elnaz is a hero,” chanted dozens of supporters who gathered outside the Imam Khomeini International Airport terminal, clapping their hands and brandishing mobile phones to record the moment.
They continued to chant and applaud as a van and vehicle — one of which they presumed was carrying the climber — drove out of the airport through a sea of people clapping above their heads.
Photo: AFP - Source: Anonymous / ESN
It was unclear where she was headed. Some of the women present were not wearing hijab.
“A hero’s welcome ... outside Tehran airport for-pro climber Elnaz Rekabi. Concerns for her safety remain,” the New York-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) said.
Inside the airport terminal Rekabi was greeted by family members, before addressing state media.
“Due to the atmosphere prevailing in the finals of the competition and the unexpected call for me to start my run, I got tangled with my technical equipment and ... that caused me to remain unaware of the hijab that I should have observed,” she said.
“I returned to Iran peacefully, in perfect health and according to the predetermined plan. I apologize to the people of Iran because of the tensions created,” she said.
Observers “should not be swayed by state propaganda,” the CHRI said.
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