Zahra and Sabha: The Iranian footballer and referee shot to death

Iranian footballer Zahra Azadpour and referee Sabha Rashtian were shot dead following their involvement in protests against the Islamic regime.

Zahra was among many Iranians angered by the dire state of the economy, which had inflicted hardship on citizens, and joined peaceful demonstrations against the government.

Security forces responded with a violent crackdown, and she was among the fatalities. Ahead of the 2026 Women’s Asia Cup, Zahra was killed by gunfire from Islamic Republic forces on January 9 during an unarmed protest in Karaj, Tehran.

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The 27-year-old footballer played for Iranian Women’s League club Mehregan Pardis and was training with the national team in preparation for the tournament in Australia.

Similarly, 23-year-old referee Sabha Rashtian was shot dead while protesting in Isfahan in January 2026. Reports indicated she sustained a fatal gunshot wound to her side during the crackdown and could not survive despite medical attention. Her body was later handed over to her family for burial.

These tragedies, along with others, triggered international reactions, including missile strikes by the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic regime in Iran, which led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and close allies.

Meanwhile, the Iranian women’s national team currently in Australia has continued to protest against events back home, refusing to sing the national anthem before one of their matches.

SB/JE

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