There is outrage from the football world after the government in Iran sentenced footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani to 16 years in prison for taking part in nationwide protests.
Local reports said the football star was spared death but was handed a lengthy jail term as punishment for voicing out against the oppression of women in Iran.
The 26-year-old, who plays as a defender for the Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor, was found guilty of “partaking in enmity against God” in relation to the killing of three security officers in the city of Isfahan on 16 November.
Three other protesters, were, however, sentenced to death in the same trial, a judgement which has been described as a violation of human rights.
Iran is currently doing what it can to silence the voices of dissents including celebrities after protests broke out following the death of Mahsa Amini. She died in moral police custody.
The civil unrest and protests against the government began in September 2022 as nationals demand more freedom for women from the authorities.
