Iranian justice sentences three more people to death in the same trial as Iranjavan club defender, who played for the country's U-16 team
Amir Nasr-Azadani, a defender for Iranjavan club who played for Iran's U-16 team,escaped the death penalty but was sentenced to prison by the Asian country's justice system for being part of a group of people who allegedly tried to attack the foundations of the Islamic Republic.
The Iranian footballer was sentenced to 26 years in prison as a result of the protests over the death of young Mahsa Amini while in detention.
Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish girl, died on September 16, three days after being arrested by the morality police for allegedly violating the dress code that applies in the Islamic Republic.
According to the judiciary agency, Mizan Online, in the same trial, the Iranian justice system sentenced Saleh Mirhashemi, Majid Kazemi and Saeed Yaghoubi to death for being involved in the deaths of three security forces members during the protests.
All the convictions announced on Monday can be appealed to the Supreme Court, added Mizan Online.
The Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, stated on Monday that there were "undoubtedly, economic problems" in the country. "But can these problems be solved by burning trash cans or causing disturbances in the streets?"
"Undoubtedly, these actions are treason, and the responsible institutions treat treason seriously and fairly," he said, quoted on his website.
With Monday's announcements, there are already 17 people sentenced to death in relation to the protests, according to a count established by AFP based on official announcements.
Four have been executed and two have had their sentences confirmed by the Supreme Court. The rest are awaiting a new trial or can appeal.
The last two executions, announced on Saturday, sparked international outrage.
Pope Francis urged on Monday to end the death penalty worldwide, including in Iran.
"The death penalty cannot be used as a supposed state justice, as it is not a deterrent nor does it bring justice to the victims. It only fuels the thirst for revenge," said the Argentine pontiff.
Meanwhile, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs considered that these death sentences and executions, which "add to many other serious and unacceptable violations of fundamental rights and freedoms committed by Iranian authorities," cannot be a response to "the legitimate aspirations of freedom of the Iranian people."
According to Amnesty International, Iran is the country that carries out the most executions after China. Information from AFP.