In an apparent protest, Iran's World Cup players refuse to sing the national anthem (not sports)

[Jilly_in_VA]

Ahead of their first match in this year's FIFA World Cup, Iran's national team gathered for the national anthems, their players standing side-by-side, arms slung over each other's shoulders.

But rather than sing along, their mouths stayed shut — an apparent show of solidarity on the world's biggest stage with the human rights protest movement that has swept their home country. Players from the opposing team, England, sang their national anthem, as is customary.

For months, Iranians have taken to the streets in demonstrations sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old woman who died in the custody of the country's morality police. She had been detained for wearing her hijab improperly.

Iran's regime has attempted to crack down on the protests with violent police intervention. Human rights groups allege that over 1000 people have been arrested and hundreds killed.

Now, authorities are putting demonstrators on trial; Iranian courts have already sentenced six to death.

https://www.npr.org/2022/11/21/1138259076/iran-world-cup-anthem-protest

This would be their equivalent of taking a knee and is potentially dangerous for the players.

[malaise]

1. That was important

Coming from their males and sports is not separate from politics

[EndlessWire]

2. Yes

It can't be said enough that this is very dangerous to them, and it is very brave, very courageous.

Executing people for this protest is breathtakingly appalling. And, this young woman was wearing her mandatory hijab, just incorrectly. For that, she was beaten to death.

I have no respect for the Iranian government, and I pray that they go down and are vanquished by their citizens. Time to join the modern era. There's no honor here. Only oppression.

[crickets]

3. Respect for their courage. nt