Iranian footballer, Amir Reza Nasr Azadani, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for his involvement in the death of Mahsa Amini, while she was in custody of Iran’s morality police.
Azadani was a defender for Persian Gulf Pro League club Tractor at the time of his sentencing.
The protests surrounding Mahsa Amini’s death were widespread and led to a crackdown on those involved. Azadani was found guilty of complicity in the murder of three Basij officers, five counts of assembly and collusion to commit crimes, and five counts of being a member of illegal groups with the intention of disturbing public safety.
While his original sentence was death by hanging, it has since been overturned. Instead, Azadani will serve 16 years in prison concurrently for his various charges. The case drew international attention when soccer players’ associations and international media announced the death penalty.
Alongside Azadani, Saleh Mirhashemi, Majid Kazemi Sheikh Shabani, and Saeed Yaqoubi have been sentenced to death for “waging war against God” or “moharebe” following the murder of the Basij officers in Isfahan. Soheil Jahangiri was sentenced to two years in prison, and Jaber Mirhashemi was acquitted.
The trial had six defendants, four of which were represented by their own lawyers, while the other two were represented by court-appointed lawyers. The death sentences of Mirhashemi, Shabani, and Yaqoubi will join 11 other people who will also face the death penalty.
The sentencing of Azadani and the others involved in the murder of the Basij officers highlights the harsh consequences of criminal acts in Iran. The case serves as a reminder to individuals that even if they are prominent members of society, they are not exempt from punishment.
