Iranian climber Elnas Rekabi has returned to her homeland after suddenly disappearing at the Asian Championships in Seoul. As the Iranian news agency Tasnim reported, the 33-year-old arrived in the capital Tehran on Wednesday morning. In the final of the Asian Championships in South Korea, Rekabi caused a stir because she competed without a headscarf. Islamic clothing is compulsory for female athletes in the Iranian national team. After that she suddenly disappeared.

Numerous images on social media showed how they welcomed people at Tehran Airport and cheered their action. The videos could not initially be independently verified. Her action in Seoul was seen by many as solidarity with anti-system protests in Iran.

According to media reports, Rekabi's team left the hotel on Monday morning. It is not known what happened to her first. Rekabi's passport and mobile phone are said to have been confiscated, and there was also talk of an arrest. The Iranian embassy in Seoul categorically rejected such reports.

Forced Opinion?

According to the Tasnim news agency, which acts as the mouthpiece of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, Rekabi apologized for not wearing a headscarf. It happened "unintentionally". Accordingly, she also apologized for the concerns she had caused. Observers interpret the apology as a forced statement. The Iranian authorities regularly exert pressure. Persian-language media also reported that Rekabi's brother had been arrested.

Since the nationwide protests broke out in Iran in mid-September, several prominent athletes have criticized the Islamic system of rule for the suppression of women's protests and announced their solidarity with the demonstrators.

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