As protests over the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody continue to erupt across Iran. Human rights groups assert that the regime is attempting to “set an example” with Iran’s sports.
Iranian athletes have been imprisoned, condemned to death, and executed as the government continues to violently suppress dissent.
Human rights organizations assert that the regime is attempting to “make an example” of athletes. Some of whom have participated in rallies or demonstrated sympathy overseas through acts of defiance.
The recent execution of karate champion Mohammad Mehdi Karami and the imprisonment of footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani for 16 years are only two of the most recent penalties meted out to athletes.
Anti-government protests continue
Since the death of Mahsa Amini in the custody of the morality police many months ago. Iran has been racked by protests.
According to the activist news agency HRANA, Ms. Amini, who was 22 years old, is being held up as a symbol and rallying cry for change. While the regime’s heavy-handed response has resulted in at least 519 protestors’ deaths.
Nina Navid, the Iran campaigner for Amnesty International UK, stated that the regime’s onslaught on sport is “not surprising.
She told: “It was always inevitable that the Iranian government would attempt to make an example out of notable athletes who supported the “Woman, Life, Freedom” protests, and it appears that is precisely what is occurring.
“At the World Cup, Iranian fans who expressed support for protesters in Iran were intimidated by pro-government fans. Most likely with official backing, while family members of the national team were reportedly threatened with arrest and torture. If the players repeated their boycott of the national anthem after the first game against England.”
Human Rights Activists in Iran, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization. Reports that 36 athletes have been jailed in the past few months as a result of the demonstrations.
HRA’s global advocacy director Skyler Thompson, “While some have engaged in street protests. Others have shown support through acts of defiance abroad.”
“Top sportsmen have the ability, through a worldwide voice, to unite the globe around a common cause. And if they use this ability carefully and purposefully, they can move mountains.”
Mohammad Mehdi Karami
A former national karate champion, he was allegedly accused of murdering a Basij member at a rally in Karaj, close to Tehran.
The Basij have been assaulting and detaining protesters to quell the demonstrations.
Amnesty International stated that his trial “had little resemblance to a meaningful legal proceeding.”
He was put to death on Saturday.
Amir Nasr-Azadani
Local media stated that Iranian premier league footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani was sentenced to 16 years in prison for participating in the nationwide demonstrations.
According to Tasnim News Agency, which is associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The 26-year-old was found guilty of “participating in hatred against God” about the 16 November murder of three security officials in the city of Isfahan (IRGC).
According to local news sources, his confession was coerced, and his family was ordered to remain silent.
Sahand Nour-Mohammadzadeh
After being detained in October, Sahand Nour-Mohammadzadeh, a 26-year-old bodybuilder, was condemned to death on the accusation of “waging war” for alleged acts of arson and destruction of public property.
According to the Centre for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI), Mr. Nour-Mohammadzadeh stated in an audio file released after his detention. That he was told he would be executed the moment he was arrested and that the only evidence presented at his trial was a video of him moving a street guardrail during a protest.
Marjan Jangjou
According to reports, rock climber Marjan Jangjou has been missing since her home arrest in November for alleged participation in street protests.
A source told CHRI that some of Marjan’s friends have been searching for her in sites she frequented. Also unmarked graves in Shiraz cemeteries, hoping to locate evidence of her.
Sara Khadem
Last week, Iranian chess player Sara Khadem participated in a competition in the Kazakh city of Almaty without a head covering, which is required in Iran.
According to a person close to her, she was cautioned not to come home. And she has since landed in Spain.
Last week, newspapers including El Pais in Spain reported that Ms. Khadem intended to relocate to the nation.
Elnaz Rekabi
In the early days of the Mahsa Amini demonstrations, climber Elnaz Rekabi gained notice for competing without a hijab in South Korea.
She informed a state TV reporter that the hero’s welcome she received upon her return to Iran was “totally unintended.”
“I was summoned without warning and required to participate. I neglected to wear my required hijab because I was preoccupied with donning my shoes and technical equipment. After that, I competed.”
Ms. Rekabi said, “No” when asked about rumors that no one knew where she was for between 24 and 48 hours. This did not occur. We returned to Iran as per the original plan. “Up to this point, everything has gone according to plan.”
Ali Daei
Ali Daei, Iran’s all-time leading international goalscorer, has criticized the regime’s crackdown on demonstrators.
The former footballer reported that his wife and daughter were questioned by authorities after their flight was rerouted.
Mr. Daei had encouraged the government on social media to “address the problems of the Iranian people instead of utilizing repression, violence, and arrests.”
