Following the killing of a 22-year-old Kurdish girl, Mahsa Amin, at the hands of morality police in Iran for breaching the country’s strict dress code, a wave of protests erupted across the country, with the state punishing those seeking for more freedom.
The Iranian leadership is adopting a harsh position against the protests, determined to punish individuals who have spoken for women’s rights and freedom in the country.
The most recent of these is Amir Nasr-Azadani, a 26-year-old former soccer player who has been sentenced to death by hanging.
According to the ‘Mizan’ news agency, the footballer will face the same fate as wrestler Majid Reza Rahnavard, who was publicly murdered for taking part in rallies and leading marches in remembrance of Mahsa Amini.
He was held accountable by the Iranian authorities for “producing fear.” He was publicly executed after being imprisoned for “his fight against God.” Social media users shared images of his lifeless body hanging from the gallows.
FIFPRO condemns penalty
FIFPRO, which represents professional soccer players, expressed out on social media after learning about Azdani’s severe sentence and demanded that it be annulled immediately.
“FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country. We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.” the organisation posted on social media.
Ali Daei, one of Iran’s most prominent soccer players, has also been penalized, with the authorities closing a jewelry store and a restaurant he owned for supporting the protests.
