Campaign to Support Amir Nasr Azadani, Former Iranian Footballer Who 'Courageously Stood by His Freedom-Seeking People'

On Thursday, April 5, Amir Nasr Azadani's account on the social media platform 'X' reported that this former Iranian footballer, who is imprisoned, has gone on a hunger strike in protest against his transfer to solitary confinement. According to the account managed by a close associate of Amir Nasr Azadani, he was moved to solitary confinement by the order of the Ministry of Intelligence due to his social media activities and sending messages outside the prison. Amir Nasr Azadani, a former player for prominent teams such as Sepahan Isfahan and Tractor Sazi Tabriz, was arrested during the recent nationwide protests in Iran and sentenced to 26 years in prison, of which 16 years are definitive. Milad Zeynidpour, a former player of the Iranian national football team, along with several other athletes and prominent sports figures, has launched a campaign to support Amir Nasr Azadani, which has gained significant attention on social media. Among those who have protested the inhumane treatment of Amir Nasr Azadani by the Islamic Republic are Ali Karimi, Sosha Makani, Alireza Marzban, Mohammad Taghavi, Mohammad Mansouri, Mohammad Faghani, and Mazdak Mirzayi. Milad Zeynidpour told VOA: 'Amir Nasr Azadani, an ethical footballer and former member of the Iranian youth national football team, courageously stood by the people demanding freedom after the deaths of Mahsa, Nika, and Kian during the recent popular uprising and revolution, seeking justice for the blood of Iranian children unjustly shed by the government, and tried to be one of the voices of his compatriots alongside brave women and men.' He continued: 'After an unfair trial without any evidence, Amir Nasr Azadani was sentenced to a total of 26 years in the notorious prisons of the Islamic Republic on false charges. What crime has Amir, who has always been a moral and beloved figure over the years, committed to deserve this unjust sentence?' Milad Zeynidpour stated: 'Amir, our dear athlete and footballer, like thousands of other innocent political prisoners in the dark prisons of the Islamic Republic, is going through hard days. Now that he has been transferred to solitary confinement, we have a duty to be the voice of Amir Nasr Azadani so that he can return to life; he is a footballer who has been a messenger of joy for fans and people for years, and he does not belong in prison or solitary confinement.' This former Iranian national football player added: 'As the smallest member of the football family, I urge all respected veterans, greats of football and sports whom the people believe in, and all media professionals who hold the pen of integrity, to join hands and strive for the freedom of Amir Nasr Azadani and to be the voice of this innocent footballer in captivity in this supportive campaign.' Milad Zeynidpour concluded by calling for unity and support from all Iranians for this campaign to exert more pressure on the Islamic Republic and lead to the freedom of Amir Nasr Azadani.