Iranian soccer player, Amir Nasr-Azadani, sentenced to death after protesting

An Iranian soccer player who protested Mahsa Amini's killing will be hung as retribution. According to Iran Wire, Amir Nasr-Azadani, 26, was detained in November in connection with the killings of a police colonel and two volunteer militia members. Additionally, Nasr-Azadani has been charged with "waging war against God." For those unaware, Amini passed away abruptly in detention in the middle of September after being detained for reportedly donning a hijab inappropriately. Furthermore, Amini was allegedly beaten by Guidance Patrol, according to eyewitnesses, while the Iranian government claims she had a heart attack. On another note, the sentence left the International Federation of Professional Footballers (FIFPRO) "shocked and sickened." The organization tweeted on Monday, "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."

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

The union added, "We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.” Additionally, Nasr-Azadani will be the 28th individual to get a death sentence as a result of the protests. On Thursday, Iran carried out its first execution in connection with the demonstrations. In addition, three of those 28 people are minors. Earlier this month, while celebrating Iran's defeat to the United States in the tournament's group round, Saeid Ezatolahi's companion was shot and died. Ezatolahi is a member of Iran’s World Cup team. In other news, the last time Nasr-Azadani played professionally was in the 2017–18 Persian Gulf Pro League season with Tractor Cultural Sports Economic Club.