IranWire:

A former Iranian football player sentenced to 26 years in prison for his involvement in the 2022 protests has been transferred to a hospital in Isfahan, according to reports on social media.

An X account attributed to Amir Reza Nasr Azadani reported on Tuesday that the former Tractor FC and Sepahan FC player had been moved to Al-Zahra Hospital in Isfahan, citing a fellow prisoner as the source.

"No further details have emerged. We are trying to learn more and hope that nothing unpleasant has happened to Amir Nasr Azadani," the post said.

Nasr Azadani was arrested in November 2022 during the nationwide protests that erupted in Iran following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini while in police custody.

He was initially sentenced to death on charges of killing police colonel Esmail Charaghi and two members of the Basij militia.

However, after widespread international outcry, an appeals court reduced his sentence to 26 years in prison.

The circumstances of his hospitalization and his current condition remain unknown.

The 2022 protests, sparked by Amini’s death for allegedly violating hijab rules, triggered a harsh government crackdown that left hundreds of demonstrators killed.

Thousands were arrested, including athletes and celebrities who voiced support for the protests.

Several protesters have been executed, while others have received lengthy prison terms.

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