There’s no doubt that this weekend’s buzz was centered around the 2022 FIFA World Cup grand final between Argentina and France, which the former won. However, while many fútbol enthusiasts posted their festivities online, Shakira took the opportunity to talk about another issue: the fútbol player Amir Nasr-Azadani, who’s currently facing the death penalty in Iran.
“Today at the final of the World Cup, I only hope the players on the field and the whole world remembers that there’s a man and fellow footballer called Amir Nasr, on death row, only for speaking in favor of Women’s rights,” the Colombian super star wrote on Twitter.
She continued, “I hope there’s more than a minute of silence in our hearts to remember what’s important and more than one voice united screaming for what is just.”
Per CBS News, Nasr-Azadani was arrested after allegedly participating in an “armed riot” that resulted in the death of three security officers in Isfahan, Iran, on Sept. 16. The Isfahan city judiciary chief said that the fútbol player had been arrested for “rebellion, membership in illegal gangs, collusion to undermine security and therefore assisting in moharabeh,” which the aforementioned source identifies as “a capital crime in the Islamic republic.” Furthermore, his actions were considered a “waging war against God.” He’s been in custody since Nov. 27.
The protest followed the death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested on Sept. 13 for not wearing her hijab correctly. She later died on Sept. 16 in police custody, which some believe was due to being beaten by the Guidance Patrol.
Shakira’s not the only public figure speaking out against the accusation. The FIFPRO (The International Federation of Professional Footballers) wrote online: “FIFPRO is shocked and sickened by reports that professional footballer Amir Nasr-Azadani faces execution in Iran after campaigning for women’s rights and basic freedom in his country.”
They concluded: “We stand in solidarity with Amir and call for the immediate removal of his punishment.”