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Ex-footballer 'shot dead' in Iran as family 'forced to say he died in car crash'
A former international footballer has been 'shot dead' in Iran, according to reports, as his family were allegedly forced to say he died in a car crash
A former international footballer has reportedly been killed during Iran's ongoing protests.
Mohammad Hajipour was allegedly shot dead by Iranian regime forces during a public demonstration in the city of Rasht on the evening of Thursday, January 8. Sources say authorities handed over his body on the condition that his family publicly state that he “died in a traffic accident”.
Hajipour, from Shiraz, was a former goalkeeper for Iran’s national beach soccer team. Last summer, he renewed his contract with Shahin Khakbajar Cultural and Sports Club, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The club competes in the Gilan Province Premier League (Gilan Cup), the Gilan Province Youth League (Division 1), and the national Division 1 beach soccer league. It wrote on social media: “Mohammad Hajipour, goalkeeper of the Shahin Khakbajar beach soccer team, has passed away.”
Brazilian coach Marco Octávio Simões Barbosa, who led Iran to qualification for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, shared a photo of himself with Hajipour. He wrote: “When will man become human? Fanaticism, power, money… Hajipour, fantastic goalkeeper, unforgettable friend, I love you.”
Beach Soccer Worldwide also paid tribute, saying: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Mohammad.”
One commenter wrote Hajipour “was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a symbol of a generation that paid a devastating price for dignity and freedom”.
Iranian opposition media claim more than 36,500 protesters were killed by security forces on January 8-9 alone. The demonstrations, triggered by economic, political and ideological grievances, first erupted across Iran on December 28.
Precise casualty figures remain unclear due to an internet and telephone blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities since January 8. Independent sources estimate that as many as 360,000 people have been injured and more than 27,000 arrested.
Daily Star Sunday
A former international footballer has been 'shot dead' in Iran, according to reports, as his family were allegedly forced to say he died in a car crash
A former international footballer has reportedly been killed during Iran's ongoing protests.
Mohammad Hajipour was allegedly shot dead by Iranian regime forces during a public demonstration in the city of Rasht on the evening of Thursday, January 8. Sources say authorities handed over his body on the condition that his family publicly state that he “died in a traffic accident”.
Hajipour, from Shiraz, was a former goalkeeper for Iran’s national beach soccer team. Last summer, he renewed his contract with Shahin Khakbajar Cultural and Sports Club, as reported by NeedToKnow.
The club competes in the Gilan Province Premier League (Gilan Cup), the Gilan Province Youth League (Division 1), and the national Division 1 beach soccer league. It wrote on social media: “Mohammad Hajipour, goalkeeper of the Shahin Khakbajar beach soccer team, has passed away.”
Brazilian coach Marco Octávio Simões Barbosa, who led Iran to qualification for the 2015 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, shared a photo of himself with Hajipour. He wrote: “When will man become human? Fanaticism, power, money… Hajipour, fantastic goalkeeper, unforgettable friend, I love you.”
Beach Soccer Worldwide also paid tribute, saying: “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time. Rest in peace, dear Mohammad.”
One commenter wrote Hajipour “was not only an outstanding athlete, but also a symbol of a generation that paid a devastating price for dignity and freedom”.
Iranian opposition media claim more than 36,500 protesters were killed by security forces on January 8-9 alone. The demonstrations, triggered by economic, political and ideological grievances, first erupted across Iran on December 28.
Precise casualty figures remain unclear due to an internet and telephone blackout imposed by the Iranian authorities since January 8. Independent sources estimate that as many as 360,000 people have been injured and more than 27,000 arrested.
Daily Star Sunday