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DOHA, Qatar (AP) \u2014 The U.S. men\u2019s soccer team has begun displaying Iran\u2019s national flag on social media without the emblem of the Islamic Republic as nationwide protests challenging Tehran\u2019s theocratic government continue. <\/p>\n
The Twitter account of the U.S. men\u2019s team on Sunday displayed a banner with the squad\u2019s matches in the group stage, with the Iranian flag only bearing its green, white and red colors. The same could be seen in a post on its Facebook and Instagram accounts laying out the point totals so far in its group. <\/p>\n
The U.S. men\u2019s team did not immediately respond to a request for comment. However, the absence of the emblem comes as monthslong demonstrations have challenged Iran\u2019s government since the Sept. 16 death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who had been detained by the country\u2019s morality police. <\/p>\n
The protests have seen at least 450 people killed since they started, as well as over 18,000 arrested, according to Human Rights Activists in Iran, an advocacy group following the demonstrations. <\/p>\n
Iran has not released casualty or arrest figures for months and alleges without providing evidence that the protests have been fomented by its enemies abroad, including the U.S. <\/p>\n
Tehran also restricts press access and has detained over 63 reporters and photographers since the demonstrations began, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists, making covering the unrest that much more difficult.<\/p>\n