Family of Athlete Accused of 'Not Wearing Hijab' Faces Home Demolition

Claims of "Police Action" Arise... Fine Imposed Despite Unrevealed Reason
Younger Brother Competed Without Hijab at International Tournament in Korea Last October

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] It was recently revealed that the house of Elnaz Rekabi’s (33) brother, whose hijab-free participation in an international sports climbing competition held in Korea last October made her a 'hero' among Iranian anti-government protesters, was demolished.

On the 2nd (local time), Iranian reformist media IranWire and foreign news outlets reported that Iranian police destroyed the house of Elnaz’s brother, Davood Rekabi (35), located in Zanjan Province in northwestern Iran.

Like Elnaz, Davood is also a sports climbing athlete and a well-known competitor who has won many medals in domestic and international competitions. CNN reported that it is unknown who demolished Davood’s house, when, or why, but BBC Persian stated that the demolition took place last month.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On social media platforms (SNS), videos showing the horrific scene of Davood’s house demolished into unrecognizable rubble have been posted. The unidentified videographer said, "This is the result of living in this country. This happened to a champion who brought many medals to the nation," expressing outrage, "After working hard to elevate the country’s name, they sprayed pepper spray, destroyed the house, and left." The video also captured Davood crying in front of the debris of his home.

Another video showed numerous medals, which appeared to have been framed and hung on the wall, being gathered into a bucket. IranWire also reported that Davood was fined as much as $5,000 USD (approximately 6.51 million KRW) due to undisclosed violations.

It is unclear whether Elnaz was living in the demolished house. Elnaz competed without wearing a hijab at the 2022 International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) Asian Championships held from October 10 to 16 at the special venue in Hangang Park, Seoul, finishing in 4th place. At that time, hijab protests were spreading in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested by police on September 16 for not wearing a hijab and died under suspicious circumstances. Iranian protesters interpreted Rekabi’s actions as support for the anti-government demonstrations.

Afterwards, rumors circulated about Elnaz’s disappearance and forced return, but she posted on her Instagram account shortly after the competition, saying, "The hijab issue at the Asian Championships was due to my carelessness. I sincerely apologize for causing concern to the people," and added, "I am currently returning home according to the scheduled plans with other athletes."

When she arrived at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran, supporters who came to greet her chanted "Hero Elnaz" and presented her with bouquets. Even after returning home, Elnaz reiterated that not wearing the hijab was unintentional and apologized again. She explained, "I was busy putting on shoes and equipment at the time of the competition and forgot to wear the hijab."

However, there are claims that even this apology was forced by Iranian authorities. BBC cited a reliable source reporting that after Elnaz returned to Iran, she was pressured to apologize under duress, and Iranian authorities threatened to confiscate her family’s property if she did not comply. There were even reports that Elnaz was placed under house arrest at her father’s home thereafter.