TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have arrested football players who attended a mixed party east of Tehran, local media reported on Sunday, without identifying them or giving their exact number.

“Several current and former players of one of Tehran’s prominent football clubs were arrested last night (Saturday) at a mixed party in the city of Damavand,” Tasnim news agency said.

“Some of these players were in an abnormal state due to alcohol consumption”, it added.

Iranian law only permits non-Muslims to consume alcohol for religious purposes. Dancing with the opposite gender is forbidden. The Islamic republic has been rocked by unrest since the September 16 death in custody of Mahsa Amini, 22, following her arrest for an alleged breach of the strict dress code for women.

Iranian officials say hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest, including members of the security forces, and thousands have been arrested.

A number of current and former footballers as well as other athletes and prominent figures have been detained or questioned by the authorities after voicing support for the protests.

Militiaman killed

A member of Iran’s security forces has been shot dead during protests in the city of Semirom, state media said on Sunday.

“A Basij member was killed in the city of Semirom by armed criminals,” official news agency IRNA reported, referring to the paramilitary force linked to the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

IRNA said protesters had gathered in the city, about 470 kilometres (290 miles) south of the capital Tehran in the central Isfahan province.

They rallied in front of the regional administration building and other locations in Semirom, it added.

“Security forces were deployed to establish order in the city and, in some cases, clashes occurred with several rioters,” the report said.

Iranian officials say hundreds of people have been killed in the nationwide unrest, including members of the security forces, and thousands arrested.

Tehran accuses hostile foreign powers and opposition groups of stoking the unrest.

Last month, Iran executed two men, both 23, who had been convicted of attacks against security forces in connection with the protests. The judiciary has said nine others have been sentenced to death.

Campaigners said this week dozens of protesters also face charges that carry a potential death sentence.

Published in Dawn, january 2th, 2023