Video clips have emerged where the Iranian men’s water polo team refrains from singing the national anthem played at an Asian Championship match in Thailand. This move by the athletes was a show of solidarity and support for the eight-week-old protests across Iran.
Although the clips aren’t verified and the Iranian Federation of Swimming, Diving and Waterpolo was not available for comment, it is widely believed that the male athletes are lending support to the protests taking place in their country after the death of a Kurdish woman, 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the nation’s morality police for allegedly flouting the Islamic Republic's strict dress code imposed on women. While authorities claim that she died of a health condition, Amini’s family has accused the police of beating her to death.
These protests have now turned into a revolt and have seen casualties of over 270 people and more than 14,000 arrests. People ranging from students and doctors to lawyers, workers and athletes are all taking part in the demonstrations.
Just last week, the Iranian national beach soccer team refused to sing Iran's anthem at the beginning of a match against the United Arab Emirates in Dubai, and on Sunday, the players did not cheer or celebrate after defeating Brazil to win the championship. These silent acts of protest on the world stage have been gathering support on social media.