• Elnaz Rekabi has thanked her supporters on social media.
• Despite conflicting rumors about whether or not she has been placed under house arrest.
• Videos shared on social media purported to show Rekabi being welcomed by crowds yelling “Elnaz the hero”.

A female Iranian rock climber Elnaz Rekabi, who competed at a global competition in South Korea without a headscarf has thanked her supporters on social media, despite conflicting rumors about whether or not she has been placed under house arrest.

“I am endlessly grateful for the support of you, all the people of Iran, the most decent people of the planet, athletes and non-athletes, and all your support in [the] international community,” Elnaz Rekabi wrote on Instagram late Friday.

She put this alongside a picture of herself rock climbing, where she can be seen as a silhouette hanging in midair, she added, “What I have gained till today was regarding the caring of you beautiful souls; and the future would not be a road without obstacles if you are not coming along.”

Videos shared on social media purported to show Rekabi being welcomed by crowds yelling “Elnaz the hero” when she touched down in Tehran on Wednesday morning at Imam Khomeini International Airport.

Her departure from Iran coincides with widespread demonstrations there demanding better rights for women in the wake of the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who passed away in police custody after being detained for reportedly wearing her hijab incorrectly. Mahsa was arrested.

As a result, some demonstrators saw her as a symbol of the movement, and rights organizations have raised concern about what may happen to her once she returns to Iran. Rekabi would be moved to prison upon her return, according to media a news outlet that is critical of the Iranian government.

Rekabi has asserted that she had merely “accidentally” competed without her headscarf, which Iranian law requires all women who represent their nation abroad to wear. She made this claim both on her Instagram account and in interviews.

However, it is unclear whether Rekabi’s comments were made under duress.

The leader of the Iranian Federation of Mountaineering and Sport Climbing apparently denied that Rekabi was placed under house arrest when she made her most recent statements on Instagram.

Reza Zarei claimed Rekabi was “now with her family” in an interview with the media, which is associated with the Iranian government.

Aside from that, Zarei refuted claims that he had been given money or property documents by Rekabi or any other athlete taking part in the Asian Championship.

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