Concerns have been raised by female Iranian football supporters about potential surveillance by government officials inside stadiums at the ongoing World Cup in Qatar.
Women attending the World Cup have reported instances of individuals in the crowd taking photographs and monitoring supporters, amid growing civil unrest in Iran.
Following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who died while in police custody for allegedly violating strict Islamic rules on wearing the hijab, women in Iran are facing persecution.
Ongoing protests across Iran have criticized the country’s morality police for failing to protect women’s welfare.
There has been public outcry, including from Iranian stars participating in the World Cup who refused to sing the national anthem, putting pressure on the government.
Troubling issues seem to have followed female supporters to Qatar, with complaints of surveillance first reported by The Athletic.
One concerned fan witnessed a man using binoculars to monitor supporters instead of focusing on the game on the pitch.
Another complaint described a man filming women in hijabs as he moved around the stadium during Iran’s opening match against England.
Human rights activists believe that the Iranian government intentionally sent officials to monitor women attending matches in Qatar, with fears of repercussions upon their return to Iran.
FIFA’s Human Rights Grievance Procedure has been inundated with complaints against the stadium spotters, and the organization has committed to assigning an independent expert assessor.
