Reports have emerged that Iranian climber, Elnaz Rekabi, is being transferred to the notorious Evin prison in Tehran.
The athlete was competing at the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s Asian Championships in Seoul on Sunday, where she did not wear a hijab, which is mandatory for female Iranian athletes when competing at home and abroad.
According to news publication, IranWire, Rekabi was tricked into going to the Iranian embassy in Seoul, by the head of Iran's Climbing Federatio, Reza Zarei, after he promised her safe travel back to Iran, following the incident.
Her passport and phone were then confiscated, and sources have said that she will be moved to Evin prison, which has been criticised in the past by human rights organisations for the use of torture inside the jail.
From the IranWire website: "IranWire sources at Imam Khomeini international airport said Elnaz would be transferred directly from the airport to Evin Prison.
"IranWire source said that if Elnaz Rokabi surrendered herself to the embassy of the Islamic Republic, she would have no way to escape: "We know what the embassies of the Islamic Republic do. They will take her directly to the airport and return her to Iran."
"Elnaz's early return prevents people from gathering outside the airport: "People think that Elnaz will return with the team on Wednesday, but she is supposed to be returned to Iran a day earlier. We hope she can rescue herself at Seoul airport.""
Controversy In Iran
In a historic move, Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi who represented Iran at the Asian Climbing Competitions finals in Seoul, competed without hijab, disobeying the Islamic Republic's restrictions for female athletes. pic.twitter.com/KvxE5NoQLi
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) October 16, 2022
READ HERE: Micah Richards' VAR Opinion Is The Perfect Example Of Pitfalls Of 'Fan Punditry'
The story comes among the ongoing protests in Iran, which have already claimed many lives, as thousands have lined the streets in protest of the Islamic State and their restrictive laws.
Evin prison, where Rekabi is reportedly being sent, has also been in the news recently after a fire broke out at the facility, leaving eight dead and dozens injured.
SEE ALSO: 1975 Frontman Matty Healy Baffled By Pronunciation Of Fan's Irish Name
