'Mubarak, Ben Ali, Seyed Ali's turn,' chant mourners

Mourners at the funeral procession for Iranian football legend Naser Hejazi chanted slogans in praise of opposition leader Mir Hossein Mousavi and denounced current Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

Hejazi, one of the most formidable goalkeepers in Iran’s national team, had been an outspoken critic of the government including a decision by the Ahmadinejad administration to slash subsidies on food, fuel and energy which many consider another financial setback for the country’s most vulnerable. Hejazi died of lung cancer on Monday at the age of 62.

A crowd chanted “Ya Hossein Mir Hossein” during today’s ceremony, which began at 9am local time. Other chants included "Mubarak, Ben Ali, Nobate Seyed Ali"; "Mousavi and Karroubi must be freed"; "Our Naser is not dead, it is the government that is dead" and "Allaho-O-Akbar."

The much-loved public figure competed in two Olympics and coached top Iranian side Esteghlal. He also was a member of Iran’s World Cup squad in 1978 in Argentina, Iran’s first ever appearance in the tournament. He retired from international competition in 1980, but continued with Iranian teams until 1986.

He later worked as manager for several Iranian teams and others in Bangladesh and Slovakia.

Almost a hundred days ago, the leaders of the opposition movement were placed under house arrest after calling on Iranians to demonstrate in solidarity with protesters in the Arab world. Since their detention, the leaders and their spouses have been held under house arrest without any official charge or trial, resulting in the outpouring of worldwide condemnation against their continued captivity.

Source: GVF