A few weeks ago, Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi took part in a rock climbing competition in Seoul with his head uncovered. Her country’s government criticized her, possibly threatened her, and then apologized for the “inconvenience”. Now history seems to be repeating itself. Main character this time Nilufar Mardani, member of the national speed skating team. The girl was awarded in Istanbul ed. she went to the podium with her head uncovered and a black T-shirt with “Iran” written on it. In recent months, the hijab has become a symbol of protests that are putting pressure on the religious regime in Iran’s government, and it’s hard not to see the connection between Mardani’s gesture and that of the women who continue to demonstrate by burning their veils. and cut her hair.
“Mardani raced in Turkey without permission,” Iran’s sports ministry said after a video of the champion on the podium with her head uncovered was released. The authorities stressed that “the athlete was not wearing ministry-approved clothing and was no longer part of the national team since last month.” Thus, his participation was “personal”, repeated the ministry, emphasizing that the Iranian team did not take part in the competition and that Mardani was therefore not representing the country.
As with Rekabi, Mardani also apologized for the gesture by posting a video on her Instagram profile. Like her colleague, the skater said that her veil “unknowingly fell off” when she removed the bob. climb the podium, as it is forbidden to participate in the awards ceremony with skate equipment. He also confirmed that he personally participated in the tender with his own funds, but now many associate his gesture with the protests. Since mid-September, Iran has rebelled against the Ayatollah regime. It all started with the death of Masha Gina Amini, a 22-year-old girl who was arrested by the vice police for improperly wearing a veil and beaten to death by officers. Since then, the demonstrations have never stopped: they demand more freedoms, rights and attack the government for its poor management of the economic crisis and corruption. “Woman, life, freedom” is the cry of the crowd, which, like a forest fire, spreads beyond the borders of the country.
Source: Elle