FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022: Iran players refuse to sing national anthem in solidarity with protesters at home

In Iran's first game of the Qatar World Cup on Monday, the national soccer players of the Iran team chose not to sing Iran's national anthem before the game. The action was a sign to show solidarity with protesters at home. While the national anthem was played, all the 11 team players remained silent. Moved by their action and silent protest at the Khalifa International Stadium, their fans jeered and booed while some applauded and wept.

Reason for Protest:

The death of a young woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody provoked nationwide months of protest in Iran. The "morality police" detained the girl for not adhering to women's dress code and not wearing a Hijab correctly. The brutal regime has seen over 15000 arrests and more than a hundred killed in street demonstrations.

FAQs:

1. What was the Scene outside the Khalifa International Stadium before Iran's First match?
   Before Iran's first match against England, the protestors shouted "Mahsa Amini, Say her name," outside Khalifa International Stadium at the World Cup 2022. On Monday, a Few women, men, and children among the fans wore green t-shirts with the quote "Zan, Zindagi, Azadi" (women, life, freedom), a famous quote from the Iran protests.
2. Who is Mahsa Amini?
   Mahsa Amini, 22 was detained in the capital Tehran for not adhering to Iran's dress code by Morality Police and was blamed for not wearing Hijab correctly. She was a girl from the Kurdistan province of Iran.