Did the Iranian authorities destroy Elnaz Rekabi’s house to punish her?

Difficult not to suspect a gesture of punishment. The BBC echoed a video showing a destroyed house, medals scattered on the ground and Davoud Rekabi, brother of climbing champion Elnaz Rekabi, in tears. If the Iranian news agency Tasmin confirms that it is the home of the Rekabi family, however claims that its destruction was due to the absence of a valid building permit. Recent events involving the 33-year-old athlete, however, suggest that it could be a punishment by the Iranian authorities.

Competition without hijab

Elnaz Rekabi competed wearing a black headband and not a hijab on October 16th at the Asian Championship in Seoul. contrary to the dress restrictions enacted by the Iranian regime on the country’s women. Although she had not made a statement on the matter at the time, the Iranian athlete’s choice not to cover her hair was interpreted as a gesture of support for the protests that have been taking place in Iran since September against the oppressive regime in Tehran. The day after the race, when the climber’s departure from Seoul was confirmed, her family warned that she was unreachable. She finally reappeared four days later, with no explanation. The climber has since apologized twice for not wearing her veil during the competition, explaining that it slipped off her. According to BBC Persianthe young woman would be under house arrest since her return to Iran.

Front page image: Youtube screenshot