Iran arrest former footballer for supporting Mahsa Amini protests

Iranian authorities on Friday arrested a former football player for supporting protests against the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini in police custody.

Former Persepolis FC player Hossein Maahini was arrested after showcasing his solidarity with Amini - who died on 16 September, three days after morality police arrested her for not wearing her headscarf 'properly'.

The young woman’s death has prompted world-wide protests, as deadly demonstrations have erupted across Iran, where at least 83 people have been killed in protests.

"Former Persepolis FC player Hossein Maahini was arrested by the order of the judicial authorities for supporting and encouraging riots on his social media pages," state news agency IRNA said.

Many Iranian celebrities have come out in support of the protests and demanded that authorities listen to the demands of the public.

However, on Thursday, Tehran's provincial governor Mohsen Mansouri warned the state "will take action against the celebrities who have fanned the flames of the riots" ISNA news agency quoted him as saying.

Activists have also taken to social media to stand in solidarity with Amini and the protests, by cutting their hair.

This includes former Iran detainee Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, who spent six years in Iranian detention, after being arrested at Tehran airport during a family visit.

Mahsa Amini was visiting Tehran with her brother when she was detained by the so-called morality police for allegedly violating strict codes on female clothing.  

She was taken to Vozara police station and shortly afterward an ambulance arrived to take her to the hospital, where she died a few days later. 

Eyewitnesses said Amini was beaten by officers in a police van and then at a detention centre.