Rashid Mazaheri detained in Iran on national security charges

Former Iranian national football goalkeeper Rashid Mazaheri is being held in prison in Urmia. While initial allegations involved bribery and attempting to cross state borders illegally, human rights activists and Mazaheri's family claim these charges are unfounded.

His family and activists, including Azar Jahangiri and Marjam Abdolahi, assert that the actual reason for his detention is his public criticism of the Iranian government and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Mazaheri now faces charges of acting against national security and spreading propaganda against the state system.

Mazaheri, who represented Iran during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, has been denied access to independent legal counsel during his detention. Human rights organizations are monitoring the case, calling for the guarantee of basic procedural rights for the former athlete.