Tobias Sylvester
Iranian footballer, Amir Nasr-Azadani is facing execution after campaigning for women’s rights amid anti-government protests following the death of a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini.
Footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani Facing Execution In Iran
KanyiDaily had reported how Amani died three days after she was arrested and allegedly beaten up by Iran’s controversial morality police for wearing the hijab headscarf in an “improper” way.
There have been anti-government protests in Iran over the death of the 22-year-old woman after she died in custody in September, having been detained for allegedly failing to follow the country’s Islamic dress code.
The Iranian government reportedly cracked its whip at Nasr-Azadani, sentencing him to death by hanging for actively campaigning for women’s rights since September.
A message shared on the Twitter page of the players’ union FIFPRO on Monday said the 26-year-old footballer is facing execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in the country.
“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 post reads.
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. pic.twitter.com/vPuylCS2ph
— FIFPRO (@FIFPRO) December 12, 2022
According to Iran Wire, Nasr-Azadani is set to be executed for alleged involvement in the deaths of Colonel Esmaeil Cheraghi and two Basij members.
The footballer is set to suffer the same fate as Iranian wrestler Majid Reza Rahnavard who was publicly executed for being vocal against the treatment of women in Iran.
It was gathered that Nasr-Azadani, alongside two other accused, appeared on state TV on 20 November and read an allegedly forced confession.
Iran Wire reported that Nasr-Azadani was indeed at the protest where Cheraghi and two others were killed, but was nowhere near the location of the assassination.
The report further added that his involvement was limited to chanting slogans for a few hours. Nasr-Azadani never represented the Iran national football team but played for three notable clubs in the country: Rah-Ahan, Tractor, and Gol-e Rayhan.
KanyiDaily had also reported how a young Iranian couple was arrested after a marriage proposal in public that was captured on a video clip that went viral on social media.
