DUBAI: Tehran has charged Iranian international footballer Ali Karimi in absentia for his support of the recent anti-government protests taking place in various parts of the country.
The Dubai-based footballer, who was a former player at German sports club Bayern Munich, has allegedly been under pressure by Iranian security forces in recent days over his posts on social media, reported Radio Farda.
This comes after people took to the country’s streets in recent weeks, fanned by the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini after being arrested by morality police for failing to ‘properly wear’ the hijab. Amini was rushed to the hospital shortly after her arrest and died three days later.
Karimi, widely regarded as one of the greatest Iranian players of all time, condemned the young woman’s death by supporting protesters and urged security forces to avoid ‘innocent blood to be shed.’
Mehr News Agency has reportedly said that the Iranian footballer has been charged with unlawful ‘assembly and collusion with the intention of acting against national security’, wrote Radio Farda.
The football legend, once described as the Asian Maradona, was one of the first celebrities to condemn the death of Mahsa Amini, added Radio Farda.
The young woman’s death sparked a wave of protests across Iran despite the government warning of harsh crackdowns.
Videos posted on social media show demonstrations taking place in several cities across the country and around the world in support of the cause.
In one of the videos, protesters in the Iranian capital Tehran are seen gathering on Shariati Street with many women blocking it completely.
Iran charges former Bayern Munich player Ali Karimi over support for protests
https://arab.news/9xcmc
Iran charges former Bayern Munich player Ali Karimi over support for protests
- This comes after people took to the country’s streets in recent weeks
- The young woman’s death sparked a wave of protests across Iran despite the government warning of harsh crackdowns
Jordan begins implementing Royal directives to modernize Arab Army
- On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced the strategy
AMMAN: Jordan’s Armed Forces have begun implementing royal directives from King Abdullah II aimed at restructuring and modernizing the Arab Army to strengthen its operational readiness and ability to meet evolving security challenges, it was announced on Sunday.
The overhaul is designed to sharpen combat capabilities and establish a streamlined, flexible force equipped to operate across varied environments, while adapting to the demands of modern and unconventional warfare, the Jordan News Agency reported.
The directives called for closer alignment between organizational structures and operational needs, alongside upgrades to command, control and communications systems.
They also urged stronger integration across military branches and units, as well as expanded use of advanced technologies, including unmanned systems and cyber capabilities.
Plans also include reinforcing reserve forces, improving logistics to ensure reliable supply chains, and supporting Jordan’s defense industries to enhance self-sufficiency and efficiency.
In a statement, the Jordanian Armed Forces said they were fully committed to carrying out the royal directives as part of a broader strategic vision to raise professionalism and preparedness.
On Saturday, it was reported that King Abdullah had announced a strategy “to achieve a structural transformation in the armed forces over the course of the next three years,” Petra said.
In a letter to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the King wrote: “Our Arab Army is a national institution that every Jordanian is proud of.”
“We must examine the requirements for modernizing and developing our Armed Forces, while restructuring them to keep pace with combat demands within various environments of operation,” the king wrote.
The king also said the army must have sufficient reserve forces reinforced with the necessary capabilities.
“Our Armed Forces must have sufficient reserve forces, equipped with the various needed capabilities to execute their operations efficiently.”
