The Iranian climber landed in Tehran and was greeted with flowers and applause
After the publications that she disappeared because she competed without a hijab, Alanaz Rakabi "was awarded" a festive welcome at the airport.
Despite this, many are convinced that it is a ploy and fear her fate
Voila system!
sport
10/19/2022
Wednesday, October 19, 2022, 09:48
Share on Facebook
Share on WhatsApp
Share on Twitter
Share by email
Share in general
Comments
Comments
On video: Iranians in Istanbul mark one month of the anti-government protest in Iran (Reuters)
Iranian climber Alnaz Rakabi, who was reportedly jailed after participating in the Asian Climbing Championships without a hijab, arrived in Tehran today (Wednesday) morning and was greeted with flowers and applause.
At least according to the publications of the National News Agency of the Republic.
The beginning of the story was yesterday, when the 33-year-old Rakabi competed in the capital of South Korea, Seoul, without a hijab - contrary to the strict law in her homeland.
Yesterday, reports appeared on Iranian websites that are identified with the opposition to the regime, that it has disappeared.
It was also reported that her passport and cell phone were taken from her.
Iran must have been aware of the growing global attention and then there was a surprising twist: Rakabi posted an apology on Instagram for not being available and causing concern, clarifying that her hijab had fallen off during the competition.
Many of course doubted the credibility of Rakabi's message on Instagram, as well as the credibility of the reception she received at the airport in Tehran this morning, where dozens chanted "Elnaz the heroine."
The photos, videos and news about her celebratory arrival at the airport were well timed and published as mentioned, among others, by the National News Agency of Iran.
More in Walla!
When should the resume be shortened and how to do it?
In collaboration with Manpower
A genuine welcome, or a ploy to silence the critics?
Recavi (photo: screenshot, Twitter)
The "Iran Wire" website reported yesterday that Qabi was flown to Iran earlier and taken directly to Evin Prison, where a fire broke out earlier this week following clashes between prisoners and guards that led to the loss of life.
Evin prison, which houses political prisoners, is notorious for the use of torture, indefinite imprisonment and denial of medical treatment to the prisoners.
It is not clear if Rakabi was indeed flown to Iran earlier than expected and brought to the airport to broadcast to the world that she is fine and that she is not arrested.
The International Climbing Association issued a statement that read: "We understand that Kabi is on her way back to Iran. We will continue to follow the developments in her case. We fully support the rights of the athletes, their choices and freedom of expression."
Of course, these things come in the shadow of the protests and the violence against them by the regime.
The riots in the Muslim country erupted after a young woman died last month after being arrested in the country for not wearing a hijab properly.
Many Iranians went on a series of protests across the country against the regime and its laws, in events that have led to the death of many so far.
sport
Additional branches
Tags
Iran
