According to press reports[1], the Iranian athlete Elnaz Rekabi, who competed in the International Federation of Sport Climbing World Championships without a hijab, contravening the repressive dress code imposed on women by the Iranian authorities, has been brought back to Tehran. Ms Rekabi’s relatives had lost contact with her and several sources report that her passport and phone were confiscated.

Rekabi’s case is only the latest in a series of appalling violations of human rights perpetrated by the Iranian authorities following the wave of protests sparked by the horrific murder of Mahsa Amini on 16 September 2022. Since the beginning of the protests, the Iranian authorities have responded with brutality, resulting in over 8 000 demonstrators being put under arrest. Furthermore, according to human rights defenders[2], at least 240 protesters have been killed.

• In this context, what action does the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy intend to take to ensure Rekabi’s safety?
• What action can be taken to support Iranian civil society in its struggle for individual liberties? Are there any plans to grant political asylum to those at risk of being detained or killed?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell i Fontelles on behalf of the European Commission