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Fate of Iran soccer player unclear as he faces risk of execution  

Iranian prosecutors are seeking to send Amir Reza Nasr Azadani to the gallows, as the Islamic Republic defiantly presses ahead with death sentences for protesters.  

Nasr-Azadani was arrested in the city of Isfahan two days after allegedly taking part in an "armed riot" in which three security agents were killed on September 16, Isfahan's judiciary chief Abdullah Jafari said, quoted on December 11 by Iran's ISNA news agency.  (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)
Nasr-Azadani was arrested in the city of Isfahan two days after allegedly taking part in an "armed riot" in which three security agents were killed on September 16, Isfahan's judiciary chief Abdullah Jafari said, quoted on December 11 by Iran's ISNA news agency. (Photo by -/AFP via Getty Images)

TEHRAN — Fears intensified on Tuesday over the fate of 26-year-old Iranian soccer player Amir Reza Nasr Azadani, who was arrested last month and is standing trial in Iran over his participation in anti-government protests.  

Prosecutors in the central city of Isfahan indicted the athlete on Sunday with a charge punishable by execution. According to Mizan News, the official outlet of the Iranian judiciary, Nasr Azadani is accused of armed rebellion against the Islamic Republic. No date has been assigned for his next court appearance.

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