Iranian professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani has been sentenced to death for supporting women’s rights in Iran.
The 26-year old former player for Tehran’s Rah-Ahan team was arrested in September, after he was seen taking part in an “armed riot” in Isfahan where three security guards were killed.
Isfahan‘s judiciary chief Abdullah Jafari was quoted by Iran’s ISNA news agency saying Nasr-Azadani had engaged in “rebellion, membership in illegal gangs, collusion to undermine security and therefore assisting in moharabeh” – or ”waging war against God” — crimes that are punishable by death in Iran.
The Fédération Internationale des Associations de Footballeurs Professionnels (FIFPRO) the global body of professional footballers, released a statement on Twitter, saying it 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.”
Former Socceroo captain Craig Foster condemned the execution of “innocent Iranians”.
“Stop the executions of innocent Iranians protesting for basic freedoms & women’s rights,” he tweeted.
The former football player has been an active human rights campaigner in the last few years, completing a degree in law in 2019.
In September, during the early weeks of protests against the death of Mahsa Amini, Foster tweeted “I stand with all women of Iran courageously fighting for justice for Mahsa Amini and for their right to live freely without oppression.”
I stand with all women of Iran courageously fighting for justice for Mahsa Amini and for their right to live freely without oppression.#mahsaamini pic.twitter.com/53odKWl0m2
— Craig Foster (@Craig_Foster) September 26, 2022
UK campaigner David Challen tweeted his dismay, saying: “Horrific to hear professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran for campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country.”
“This man recognised the experiences of women and stood up for their rights in a selfless courageous act. He must be freed.”
Nasr-Azadani has not been the only sportsperson being punished for protesting against the regime.
One of the country’s top football players, Voria Ghafouri, was charged last month for “spreading propaganda”.
The 35-year-old was arrested for engaging in “propaganda against the regime”, supporting “rioters” and of having “tarnished the reputation of the national team.”
This week, a judiciary official in Tehran said 400 people have been arrested at anti-government protests, with 160 “rioters” sentenced to between five and 10 years. According to the Human Rights Activists’ News Agency (HRANA), at least 490 protesters, including 68 children and 62 security personnel have been killed since the riots began in September.