Three Things for October 19

1. Iranian athlete reportedly missing after competing without a hijab 

Elnaz Rekabi, an Iranian competitive climber, unexpectedly left the International Federation of Sport Climbing’s Asia Championship in South Korea after competing without Iran’s mandatory hijab.  

The Iranian climber Elnaz Rekabi — who competed in Seoul without a hijab — flew back to Tehran on Tuesday amid concern for her safety after video of her climb circulated online. Not wearing her hijab breaches Islamic Republic rules for women athletes. https://t.co/T1f7wCSO5H

— The New York Times (@nytimes) October 18, 2022

The BBC’s Persian service stated that Iranian officials took Rekabi’s passport and phone, after her flight was abruptly moved up, indicating Iranian officials may have forced her to leave  early. Later, an Instagram post under Rekabi’s account stated the absence of her headscarf  was “unintentional,” however it is unclear whether the post was written by her. 

IranWire proposed Rekabi would be transported to Tehran’s notorious Evin Prison, an Iranian prison for political prisoners, although her current whereabouts are unknown.  

Rekabi’s decision came following the death of Mahsa Amini, who was murdered while in police custody after Iranian morality police arrested Amini for allegedly wearing her headscarf incorrectly. 

Demonstrations and protests have spread to over 100 cities in Iran, and across the world. For more information, click here.

2. Winning lottery ticket bought in flooded city 

A winning lottery ticket, worth $494 million, was purchased in Fort Myers, Florida only a few weeks after Hurricane Ian battered the state.  

A winning lottery ticket worth a share of a $494 million Mega Millions jackpot was purchased in a southwest Florida city hammered by Hurricane Ian late last month. https://t.co/cfT9vg40Ja

— The Associated Press (@AP) October 18, 2022

Hurricane Ian, the third-deadliest storm to hit the mainland of the United States this century, caused mass destruction and more than 100 deaths in Florida.  

The ticket was purchased at a 7-Eleven gas station. Under a new state law, the winner can now stay anonymous for up to 90 days after claiming their prize. 

For more information, click here. 

3. BTS members to disband group until 2025 

BTS, a K-pop band, recently played their last concert until 2025, after the members complete South Korea’s 18-21 months of required military service.

Members of BTS, the K-pop supergroup, are planning to undertake military service, the band’s record label confirmed.https://t.co/e2trhGM5PH

— CNN (@CNN) October 17, 2022

Many fans wondered if the band would receive an exemption from the mandatory duties, given their artistic endeavors, however the band’s management released a statement on Monday, Oct. 17, stating otherwise.  

The band is “looking forward to reconvening as a group again around 2025 following their service commitment,” the management company said in a statement. 

For more information, click here.