Home of Iranian climber who competed without hijab reportedly destroyed
The family home of 33-year-old Elnaz Rekabi has been destroyed, according to the outlet IranWire. Rekabi drew international attention after representing Iran in an international climbing competition without her headscarf, which is a violation of Iranian law.
Video footage from IranWire shows what appears to be Rekabi's home being demolished, with her brother Davood Rekabi in tears. An unidentified man recording the video can be heard saying, "This is the result of living in this country." Davood Rekabi also reportedly posted an image on social media with the caption "Where are you, justice?" The family home was located in the northwestern Iranian province of Zanjan. It is unclear whether the home was destroyed by government orders.
Rekabi has apologized for not wearing a hijab, claiming she did so accidentally; however, many were concerned her statement was made unwillingly, CNN reports. Following her return to Iran, she was reportedly placed on house arrest while many praised her for her bravery.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Iran has been experiencing revolutionary protests following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody after allegedly violating Iran's hijab laws. Many Iranians around the world have shown their support for the protests, including Iran's World Cup team.
"Whatever [life] gives us, we accept it, whether it is grief, happiness, bitterness or poison," Rekabi's brother added in his social media post.
A free daily email with the day’s biggest news and analysis – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Devika Rao has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022, covering science, the environment, climate and business. She previously worked as a policy associate for a nonprofit organization advocating for environmental action from a business perspective.
Explore your latest briefing
-
-
talking pointsLivestreaming an execution: cruelty or added deterrent? -
QUOTE OF THE DAY‘You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.’
-
today’s big questionCan a Democrat win the Texas governor’s race?
-
Explore your latest briefing
-
-
talking pointsLivestreaming an execution: cruelty or added deterrent? -
QUOTE OF THE DAY‘You don’t get to take a man from his family. You don’t get to take his very life, his whole future from him, and just walk away from it. Especially when that man is Tupac Shakur.’
-
today’s big questionCan a Democrat win the Texas governor’s race?
-