Concerns are mounting for an Iranian climber who took part in an international competition without a hijab.
Elnaz Rekabi, 33, could have been forced to leave the Asian Championships in South Korea early and faces being arrested and immediately transferred to prison when she returns home, according to reports denied by Tehran.
Wearing a hijab is mandatory for women in Iran – a rule which has sparked growing demonstrations over the last month.
The Iranian Embassy in South Korea said Rekabi left Seoul on a flight on Tuesday morning.
However, her passport and mobile phone are believed to have been seized, an “informed source” is said to have told journalists.
Her flight is said to have been unexpectedly pushed forward from Wednesday, according to the BBC’s Persian service.
An Instagram story posted on Rekabi’s account described her as “unintentionally” not wearing her hijab and claimed she was rushed – although she appears relaxed in footage.
It reads: “Greetings to all respectful and honorable citizens of Iran.
“I, Elnaz Rekabi with 20 years of membership in national team of climbing while apologizing for the concerns that I have caused, I must announce because of the existing sensitivities during the finale of the Asian Championship competition taken place in South Korea, because of the unsuitable timetable and unexpected call for me to climb the wall, unintentionally my cover became problematic.
“Right now based on a prearranged timetable with the team, I am heading to Iran.”
However, a friend and former member of the national ice climbing team said she is “very concerned” for Rekabi.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Zeinab Moosavi said: “Considering all the events that have happened, all of Iran and the world are worried about Elnaz’s condition after her arrival in Iran.
“We can only pray and ask God to make the best decision for dear Elnaz in this situation.
Moosavi also hailed Rekabi as a “brave and powerful girl” adding “a nation stands by you”.
Another website, IranWire – founded by Iranian-Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari, who was once detained by the Iranian regime – alleged Rekabi would be immediately transferred to the notorious Evin Prison upon her arrival.
At least eight inmates died and dozens were injured after a huge blaze broke out at the Tehran jail this week – where political prisoners including now-freed Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe were held.
The Iranian embassy dismissed “fake news and disinformation” over Rekabi’s departure in a tweet.
But it posted a picture of the athlete wearing a headscarf at a different competition in Moscow, where she won a bronze medal.
The International Federation of Sport Climbing said it is “trying to establish the facts” over Rekabi’s departure, adding: “Our understanding is that she is returning to Iran, and we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops on her arrival.”
Rekabi took part in the final of the Asia Championship in Seoul on Sunday, travelling with an 11-strong team including eight athletes and three coaches.
Footage of the event showed her wearing a black headband with her dark hair pulled back in a ponytail.
The athlete pictured with her hair visible after forgoing a hijab
She had worn a hijab during earlier appearances, the Korea Alpine Federation in Seoul said.
There are no rules requiring female athletes to wear head scarves, however Iranian women competing abroad always wear a hijab.
South Korea’s Justice Ministry said privacy-related regulations meant it could not comment on whether Rekabi is still in the country.
She has previously claimed one silver and two bronze medals in the Asian Championships.
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Why are Iranians protesting?
Fears over her whereabouts come as violent protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini continued for a fifth week.
Read more:
Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe: ‘World cannot turn a blind eye to Iran’
Iran’s Supreme Leader said Mahsa Amini’s death ‘broke my heart’
The 22-year-old was detained by the morality police for not wearing a hijab correctly and died in custody in September, leading to international anger against the Iranian regime.
Children are among the dozens of people who have died in the demonstrations.
