An Iranian international footballer has been arrested for criticising his country's government, state-linked media reported on Thursday.
Voria Ghafouri was arrested also for insulting Iran's national team, who are currently playing in the World Cup, the semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies reported.
The player was taken into custody at his club Foolad Khuzestan, where he is captain, on charges of having "tarnished the reputation of the national team and spread propaganda against the state", Fars said.
Ghafouri, who was not chosen to go to the World Cup, has been an outspoken critic of Iranian authorities and policies throughout his football career.
Iran has been the scene of anti-government protests for more than two months, the biggest challenge to its Islamic theocracy in more than a decade.
The demonstrations were sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, in morality police custody. Her family say she was beaten to death.
The state has arrested as many as 14,000 people since the start of the fresh wave of demonstrations in September, the UN found. Iran on Sunday sentenced a sixth person to death over the unrest, Tasnim reported.
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Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
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Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
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Biog
Age: 50
Known as the UAE’s strongest man
Favourite dish: “Everything and sea food”
Hobbies: Drawing, basketball and poetry
Favourite car: Any classic car
Favourite superhero: The Hulk original
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The bio
Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France
Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines
Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.
Favourite Author: My father for sure
Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst
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Banned items
Dubai Police has also issued a list of banned items at the ground on Sunday. These include:
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Political flags or banners
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Bikes, skateboards or scooters
