“The world and the Iranian people will watch as she is treated,” US State Department spokesman Vedent Patel told reporters. He called her visibly forced return from South Korea, where the climbing competition took place, “unforgivable”.
“The Iranian regime and its leaders have a long history of abusing women’s rights and violating their freedom of expression, including through threats, intimidation and violence,” the spokesperson said.
Rekabi returned to Tehran on Wednesday and was greeted like a heroine by her supporters at the airport.
On Tuesday, the climber released a statement on Instagram, in which she stated that her headscarf had “accidentally” slipped off her head before the competition in Seoul. It would have been her turn unexpectedly fast and not have had time to put the hijab back on. The climber apologized to anyone who was concerned. Many people in Iran are skeptical about the statement and believe it was prepared under pressure.
Women in Iran are required to cover their hair with a hijab and their arms and legs with loose clothing. Female athletes are also required to adhere to the dress code when officially representing Iran at competitions abroad.