Athlete Allegedly Missing After Removing Hijab Returns Home Amid 'Hero' Cheers

Citizens and Human Rights Groups "Is It Voluntary Return... Explain the Forced Repatriation Rumors"

On the 16th, Elnaz Rekabi (33) climbing with her hair down during a competition held at the Yongma Waterfall Park Sports Climbing Stadium in Jungnang-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyun-joo] An Iranian female athlete who was suspected of going missing after participating in an international sports climbing competition held in Seoul without wearing a hijab has safely returned home.

On the 19th (local time), BBC, AP News, and others reported that Elnaz Rekabi (33) arrived in Iran through Imam Khomeini International Airport in Tehran that day. Hundreds of people waiting at the airport hailed Rekabi as a hero and welcomed her with applause.

Rekabi participated in the 2022 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Asian Championships held in Seoul from the 10th to the 16th, winning one silver medal and two bronze medals. After competing without wearing a hijab, her whereabouts became unknown on the last day of the competition, sparking rumors of disappearance. The previous day, British newspapers The Guardian and The Telegraph, citing BBC Persian service, reported that Rekabi had lost contact since the 16th and that her passport and mobile phone were confiscated. There were allegations that she was forcibly repatriated because she did not wear a hijab.

In response to the forced repatriation rumors, the Iranian Embassy in Korea stated on Twitter, "Rekabi departed from Seoul to Iran early the previous morning with other athletes," and "strongly denies all fake news and false information related to Rekabi." Rekabi also explained on Instagram the same day, saying, "I am returning to Iran with my team according to the original schedule," and "the hijab slipped off my head due to carelessness."

However, concerns about Rekabi's safety continue. BBC Persian reported that Iranian female athletes who previously competed without wearing a hijab were forced to apologize, and there are suspicions that Rekabi's Instagram post might have been written under coercion.

Civil and human rights organizations have also urged the Iranian government to clarify the allegations of forced repatriation of Rekabi. The 'Korean Citizens' Group Supporting Iranian Protests,' a coalition of 16 organizations, held a press conference in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the same day, stating, "Although there was a claim on Rekabi's Instagram that she returned voluntarily, considering that she still had a schedule in Korea and that it is difficult for an individual athlete to adjust the schedule at will, it is hard to believe."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.