Iranian soccer player Amir Nasr-Azadani faces possible execution, according to reports; world footballers union expresses 'shock' and 'sadness'

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(CNN) --

The International Federation of Professional Soccer Players (FIFPRO) said it is "shocked and disgusted" by reports that Iranian soccer player Amir Nasr-Azadani faces possible execution "after campaigning for women's rights and basic liberties in your country".

“We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment,” the union said in a statement posted on Twitter.

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

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Nasr-Azadani was accused of being a member of an "armed group" involved in the killing of three security officers during protests in the central Iranian city of Esfahan, the city's Chief Justice Asadullah Jafari said. , as reported by the state agency IRNA this Sunday.

In the report, Jafari said Nasr-Azadani had been charged with Baghi, or rioting against the authorities, and has been in custody since November 27, but no sentence has yet been issued.

• Iran carries out second protest-related execution

It is unclear when his trial is scheduled to begin.

Under Iran's penal code, the sentence could carry the death penalty if it is proven that the defendant used a firearm.

Otherwise, he could be sentenced to prison.

The 26-year-old footballer, from the historic city of Esfahan in central Iran, had played for Iranian professional soccer clubs Rah-Ahan, Tractor and Gol Rayhan, London-based activist outlet IranWire reported.

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