Iranian Authorities Threaten Exiled Footballer

Iran's deputy president threatened exiled footballer Ali Karimi on Wednesday, warning that "individuals who have left the country are subject to Iran's jurisdiction.”

Mohammad Dehghan told reporters, “Any individual, whether Iranian or non-Iranian, who takes actions against the national security of the country will face consequences. Relevant authorities will take timely measures in this regard,"

Currently residing in Europe, Karimi gained prominence during the 2022 anti-regime protests, using his influence on social media to defend young protesters facing brutality by security forces. Concerned about his influence, government officials have issued threats against him several times since he left the country. 

Reza Naqipour, deputy head of the presidential office and former Head of Security of the Football Federation, used a threatening hashtag on January 5, suggesting a fate similar to the journalist Ruhullah Zam who was kidnapped from France in 2019 and executed in 2020, saying, "One day you will return the way that we like, not the way you like!"

Iran’s state television attempted to discredit Karimi for a tweet following a deadly twin bombing in Kerman. In the tweet, Karimi criticized the regime’s policy of offering food and drink at pro-government events, stating, "Go for free food and drink, but you will get a hard revenge."

Despite official efforts, Karimi's direct communication through social media has resonated with tens of thousands of supporters, highlighting the government's growing unease over his influential reach.