Iranian athlete Alnaz Rikabi, who participates in international competitions without hijab, has arrived in Tehran from South Korea.
According to the American news agency Associated Press (AP), after landing at Tehran airport, Rikabi gave a cautious and emotionless interview to Iran's hardline state television, saying that going without the hijab was an 'unintentional' act on her part. ' was the verb.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people gathered outside Imam Khomeini International Airport, including women who were not wearing the hijab.
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These protesters were seeing Alnaz Rikabi's not wearing hijab as an expression of solidarity with the anti-government movement.
Earlier, concerns were being expressed that he may be arrested upon arrival in Iran.
The decision of Alnaz Rikabi, winner of several medals, not to wear hijab on the occasion of the competition came after the murder of Mahsa Amini, after whose death the issue of forced wearing of hijab in Iran has been discussed all over the world.
The reception for Rikabi reflects the growing rift in Iranian society.
The situation regarding the future of Alnaz Rikabi after returning to Tehran is not clear. His supporters outside Iran and Persian-language media have expressed concern about Rikabi's safety after his return.
Arriving at Imam Khomeini International Airport early Wednesday, Alnaz Rikabi wore a black baseball cap and a black hoodie covering her hair.
Alnaz Rikabi repeated the same explanation she posted on Instagram, saying that her not wearing the hijab during the competition was 'unintentional'.
He said that she was under stress but she has returned to Iran with mental peace and nothing has happened yet.
