FIFPRO sickened by death sentence report

• FIFPRO is sickened.
• Iranian footballer has been sentenced to death.
• Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran.

FIFPRO is “sickened” by rumors that an Iranian footballer has been sentenced to death, notwithstanding Iran’s denial.

“FIFPRO is appalled and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran,” the federation said, appealing for his punishment to be removed.

Foreign news sites said that the 26-year-old Iranian league footballer could be executed in connection with the deaths of multiple security officials during protests.

A top judge denied Nasr Azadani’s death sentence.

Asadollah Jafari, the Isfahan judiciary chief, stated Sunday that he has received an indictment charging the footballer with “accessory to moharebeh,” but a punishment is pending additional investigation by a Revolutionary Court.

Moharebeh carries the death penalty for “waging war against God.”

The Supreme Court can review a preliminary sentence.

Jafari said the footballer was seized on November 16, two days after three security officers died.

The official stated Nasr Azadani is one of nine suspects and security camera footage proves he was part of a “armed organization that acted in a networked and organized manner to combat the Islamic Republic establishment.”

Several current and past footballers voiced sympathy with Nasr Azadani and urged for a halt to executions.

Alireza Beiranvand, the national team’s goalie, and former Team Melli captain Masoud Shojaei joined the calls.

Iran has hanged at least two persons arrested during protests that began in mid-September, after Mahsa Amini, 22, who was jailed for alleged non-compliance with a strict dress code for women.

Rights groups warn of upcoming executions.

Majidreza Rahnavard was publicly killed on Monday for killing two security forces in Mashhad. The judiciary released photographs of him being hanged from a crane as a throng watched.

Rahnavard and Mohsen Shekari, who were hanged days before, were convicted of moharebeh.

After Rahnavard’s execution on Monday, the judiciary leader said judges should overlook criticism.

“We must do our work with the law and God as our witness, and not worry about reproach,” he told other judges.

Amnesty International called Rahnavard’s execution a “weapon of repression” that sends people to the gallows to sow terror and seek revenge on those who challenge the status quo.

Monday, the EU imposed fresh sanctions on Tehran for its response to protesters and for giving Russia drones.

Tehran had earlier blacklisted EU and UK officials for supporting the protesters.

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