Iranian rock climber who competed without hijab returns home
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi returned to Tehran early Wednesday after competing in South Korea without wearing a headscarf, an act widely seen as support for anti-government demonstrators amid weeks of protests over the Islamic Republics mandatory hijab.
After landing, Rekabi gave a careful, emotionless interview to Irans hard-line state television, saying that going without a hijab had been an unintentional act on her part. However, hundreds gathered outside Imam Khomeini International Airport including women not wearing the hijab and cheered for Elnaz the Champion, casting Rekabi as an inspiration for their continued protests.
The future Rekabi faces after returning home remains unclear. Supporters and Farsi-language media outside of Iran have worried about Rekabis safety after her return, especially as activists say the demonstrations have seen security forces arrest thousands so far.
The differing reception for Rekabi shows the growing fissures in Iranian society as nationwide protests sparked by the Sept. 16 death of a 22-year-old woman are in their fifth week. Mahsa Amini was detained by the countrys morality police over her clothing and her death has prompted women to remove their hijabs in public.
https://apnews.com/article/iran-sports-dubai-united-arab-emirates-south-korea-32095d4c12d11a5695cdd59e2ece79e7