The Iranian footballer who took part in protests against his nation’s oppressive regime has been jailed for 16 years after being spared the death penalty.
Amir Nasr-Azadani, who once played for the national under-16s team, had previously been feared to be facing execution like many others who have shown dissent in recent months.
However, after pleas for mercy from a former national team captain and other sports stars, humanitarian campaigners said authorities had settled on an extensive prison term.
Nasr-Azadani who is 26 years old, was handed sentences totalling 26 years, but will serve 16 years.
Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, director of Iran Human Rights, thanked those “who were his voice” on Twitter.
Recall that Nasr-Azadani was arrested in September for allegedly taking part in an “armed riot” in Isfahan in which three members of the security forces were killed. The protests was as a result of a 22 year old girl who died as a result of manhandling in the police cell for not putting on hijab.
The 26-year-old defender with Iranjavan Bushehr FC was charged with “rebellion, membership in illegal gangs, collusion to undermine security and therefore assisting in Moharebeh [waging war against God]”.
He was then reportedly found guilty of “partaking in enmity against God” for which he was handed the lengthy jail term instead of the death penalty.