Iranian footballer detained in protests charged with death penalty offence
Azadeh Akbari
Iran International
Iran International
Former Iranian footballer Mohammad-Hossein Hosseini, who was detained amid nationwide protests earlier this month, has been charged with moharebeh or enmity against God, a charge that carries the death penalty under Iranian law, people familiar with the matter told Iran International.
The sources, who asked not to be named for fear of retaliation, said Hosseini was informed of the charges after being transferred to Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad and told that a court hearing would be held in the coming days.
They said authorities have not allowed him access to a lawyer. According to the sources, prison officials on Tuesday showed Hosseini a written notice listing additional charges of assembly and collusion, cultural propaganda against the system, damage to public property, and leading unrest.
Hosseini, 26, a former youth player for Persepolis and Sepahan from the northeastern city of Mashhad, was detained at around 4 p.m. on January 13, after security forces raided his home.
Hosseini has been arrested six times since 2022, the sources said. His previous detention before this case was linked to his attendance at the seventh-day memorial ceremony on Dec. 12 for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights activist.
The gathering turned into a protest against authorities whom attendees blamed for the jurist's death, leading to attacks on the demonstrators and many arrests.
