Olympians Call on Iranian Authorities to Stop Death Sentence of Champion Boxer

Over twenty Olympic medallists, trainers and other world-class competitors have endorsed a appeal urging a stop to the death penalty of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is facing execution in the country.

Escalating International Outrage

Amidst rising global condemnation over the nation's escalating use of executions as a means of repression, the forcefully phrased statement censures the government's verdict to uphold the death sentence of the athlete.

The athlete, 30, from Mashhad in the northern province, was detained for participating in nationwide protests in the year 2019 and accused of aiding an dissident organization. He has passed 60 months in incarceration, where he has been tortured and confined in isolation.

“Sport is designed to encourage hope, unity, and fortitude,” the signatories stated. “The execution of a champion for his political views is a direct assault on these values and a caution to any competitor who dares to voice opinions.

Record of Killing Athletes

The statement pointed out that the athlete's circumstances was not an isolated one and highlighted Iran’s history of sentencing to death competitors for their views, including a national team leader, captain of the national football team, and a women's sports leader, captain of the women's volleyball squad. In two thousand twenty, Navid Afkari, a 27-year Iranian wrestling champion, was also executed.

Other supporters to the letter consist of a yachting pioneer, who skippered the first female-only team in a international sailing event and was the first woman to earn a esteemed nautical honor; the ex- leader of the Australian football team Craig Foster; and Bahram Mavaddat, who was in the national team for the global tournament.

Arrest and Unjust Proceedings

Vafaei Sani was arrested in the spring of 2020. The accusations against him included “promoting decay on Earth through arson and damage of public property”. His verdict has been reversed on two occasions but on October 4 it was maintained on the latest review. His legal proceedings was denounced as “deeply biased” by rights defenders and organizations.

Appeal to UN

The appeal to stop the athlete's execution follows a previous statement to the UN high commissioner for rights, signed by over one hundred advocates and entities, demanding intervention to stop the sports figure's death.

Death Penalty Surge

Based on reports, there is an “execution crisis in Iran, which has reached horrific proportions”. In 2023, officials put to death at least eight hundred fifty-three people – a nearly half increase on the previous year. The year before, records showed 972 deaths, representing the maximum count since two thousand fifteen. Over 800 people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Activists and dissidents are targets, especially in the aftermath of the 2022's protests. Analysts say the regime have utilized the capital punishment to quell opposition, create anxiety among the population and tighten their control on authority.