Kareem Bagheri's Restaurant Closed for 'Not Observing Mandatory Hijab'

The Instagram account 'Number Six', owned by renowned football player and former Persepolis coach Kareem Bagheri, announced the closure of his establishment due to 'not observing Islamic hijab'. Kareem Bagheri was among the prominent athletes who published critical content on his social media during last year's nationwide protests. He also supported his former teammate Ali Karimi in several stories. Ali Karimi took clear stances against the Islamic Republic during the protests. Bagheri, who had been part of the coaching staff for Persepolis in recent years, was dismissed from the team this year. Unofficial reports suggest that security agencies have obstructed his continued collaboration with Persepolis. A similar issue was reported a few months ago during the appointment of Javad Nekounam as head coach of Esteghlal football team, where 'security problems' were resolved by removing the critical posts of the former national team captain, allowing him to finalize his contract. Restrictions on athletes who supported the protests last year have intensified in recent months. Voria Ghafouri, a former captain of Esteghlal, faced limitations and even arrest due to his critical stances on social and political issues, ultimately leading to his retirement from playing. Recently, Anis Mohammadi, wife of former Persepolis captain Hossein Mahini, reported the presence of security forces at her home in her absence. Mohammadi, who had previously announced her summons to the prosecutor's office, wrote in her latest story: 'I am not home; they have invaded our house. Why?!' According to Mohammadi, she was summoned last week for 'producing, sending, distributing, and publishing obscene and vulgar materials via computer and telecommunications systems'. The crackdown on athletes supporting protests has intensified; the raid on Hossein Mahini's home, the summoning of former national karate coach Mohammad Aryankhoo to Evin Prosecutor's Office, and the closure of Digikala's administrative building due to 'female employees' hijab' violations are notable incidents. Kareem Bagheri stated that some have told him he is banned from working.