Former Iranian footballer Mohammad-Hossein Hosseini, who was detained amid nationwide protests earlier this month, has been charged with moharebeh-or enmity against God-a charge that carries the death penalty under Iranian law, people familiar with the case said.

The sources, who requested anonymity for fear of retaliation, said Hosseini was informed of the charge after being transferred to Vakilabad Prison in the northeastern city of Mashhad, The Caspian Post reports, citing Iran International.

They added that a court hearing is expected to be held in the coming days.

According to the sources, authorities have so far denied Hosseini access to a lawyer. On Tuesday, prison officials reportedly showed him a written notice listing additional accusations, including assembly and collusion, cultural propaganda against the system, damage to public property, and leading unrest.

Hosseini, 26, is a former youth player for Persepolis and Sepahan and hails from Mashhad. He was detained at around 4 p.m. on January 13 after security forces raided his home, the sources said.

They added that Hosseini has been arrested six times since 2022. His most recent detention prior to this case was reportedly linked to his attendance at a seventh-day memorial ceremony on December 12 for Khosrow Alikordi, a lawyer and human rights activist.

The memorial gathering reportedly turned into a protest against authorities, whom attendees blamed for Alikordi’s death. Security forces subsequently attacked demonstrators, leading to multiple arrests, including that of Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi.