Iranian Climber’s Home Destroyed – Medals Found on Ground
Elnaz Rekabi competed without a hijab at an IFSC World Cup earlier this fall. IranWire now reports that her home has been destroyed. She hasn't been heard from publicly for over a month
In October, Iranian competition climber Elnaz Rekabi competed without a Hijab at the IFSC Asian Championships in Seoul. Major news outlets now report that her family home has been demolished. She’s had no social media presence since October.
When she competed without a hijab in Seoul, there were anti-regime protests taking place across Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini who was in the custody of the morality police for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly.
“I firstly apologise for all the concerns I have caused,” Rekabi reportedly said in released statement shortly after the event. “Due to the timing and sudden call to begin the climb my hijab unintentionally became problematic. I am currently on my way back to Iran alongside the team based on the pre-scheduled timetable.”
The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) released a statement during the unfolding events, but more than one reporter called them out for not doing enough. In the article ‘Shut Up and Dribble: The IFSC has Failed Elnaz Rekabi, they state, “The International Federation of Sport Climbing’s spineless statements fail to live up to the courage shown by this boulder and lead finalist in the 2022 Asian Championships in Seoul.”
CNN reported today, “The family home of Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi has been demolished, according to the pro-reform news outlet IranWire, after she rose to international prominence this fall for competing with her head uncovered.”
Rekabi’s brother, Davood, posted a photo on social media showing the destroyed garden, and asked “Where are you, justice?” Davood, who’s won several medals in both national and international climbing competitions, has been sentenced to pay the equivalent of $5,000 for an undisclosed “violation.”
CNN said that footage of the destroyed home included someones saying, “This is the result of living in this country. A country’s champion with kilos of medals for this country. Worked hard to make this country proud. They pepper sprayed him and demolished a 39 sqm house and left. What can I say?”
Neither the authorities nor Iranian media have commented on Rekabi’s situation publicly for over a month. This information comes from the IFSC, CNN and IranWire.
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