World Cup 2022: Iranian star Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution after campaigning for women’s rights and freedoms
Rachel Schilke
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Iranian soccer star Amir Nasr-Azadani is reportedly facing execution after allegedly participating in protests for women’s rights.
The death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died in custody in September after not adhering to Iran’s strict dress code, launched a series of protests against the regime over the last three months.
Nasr-Azadani was allegedly arrested in Isfahan two days ago after taking part in an “armed riot,” according to Isfahan’s judiciary chief Abdullah Jafari via Iran’s ISNA news agency.
Jafari said Nasr-Azadani, 26, is accused of “rebellion, membership in illegal gangs, collusion to undermine security and therefore assisting in moharebeh.” Moharebeh, “enmity against God,” is a capital crime in the Islamic Republic, per CBS News.
FIFPRO, the international union of professional soccer players, released a statement on Monday afternoon expressing its disgust toward news of the Iranian player’s execution.
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“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,” the statement reads. “We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.”
The Iran national soccer team refused to sing the national anthem in its opening match against England but did so in matches against Wales and the United States.
A report from last week claims that several families of Iranian soccer players were threatened with “violence and torture” if they failed to “behave” in the lead-up to the game against the U.S.
Nasr-Azadani’s family has reportedly been threatened by the Islamic Republic not to speak out about his arrest, according to IranWire.
“Families are often promised a reduced sentence for their loved one, or the release of a prisoner sentenced to death, if they don’t speak out,” the wire service claims.
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This is the latest act of violence in relation to Iran and the World Cup. On Saturday, Qatari journalist Khalid al Misslam, who was a TV photographer for Al Kass, died suddenly — days after prominent U.S. reporter Grant Wahl died unexpectedly while covering the world event.
Wahl had been vocal about Qatar’s human rights abuses and was harassed by officials for wearing a rainbow shirt in support of the LGBT community to a match between the U.S. and Wales. Wahl’s brother suspects foul play in connection to his death, and al Misslam’s cause of death is unknown.
Qatar has also come under heavy scrutiny over conditions for its migrant workers, who were responsible for the country’s massive building campaign for the World Cup, including $200 billion worth of stadiums, metro lines, and other infrastructure.