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Former professional soccer player Amir Nasr-Azadani
Photo:
FIFPro
In connection with the protests in Iran, which have been going on for almost three months, former professional soccer player Amir Nasr-Azadani is said to be on the judicial authority's death list.
Although this was denied by the state media on Tuesday, the 26-year-old was accused by a court of "waging war against God".
According to Islamic legal opinion, this charge carries a death sentence.
Therefore, many Iranians on social media, including the two former Bundesliga professionals Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia, fear that he will ultimately be executed.
Nasr-Azadani is believed to have been involved in the killing of a police officer and two security guards during a protest demonstration last month.
According to former teammates, this accusation does not fit his character at all and is therefore baseless and absurd.
Nasr-Azadani played in different clubs in Iran's first division and also made it into the U21 national team.
He had to interrupt his active career two years ago due to a serious injury and is currently without a club.
Like thousands of Iranians, he took part in the recent system-critical protests and campaigned for women's rights and democracy in the country.
mas/dpa