Olympians Appeal on Iran to Prevent Execution of Boxing Champion
Over 20 Olympic champions, mentors and other global sports figures have signed a appeal demanding a end to the capital punishment of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is sentenced to die in the nation.
Increasing International Outrage
Amidst growing international outrage over the country's increasing application of capital punishment as a means of repression, the strongly worded appeal denounces the Iranian regime's ruling to maintain the capital punishment of the athlete.
The boxer, 30, from Mashhad in the northern province, was arrested for taking part in national uprisings in 2019 and indicted of backing an dissident organization. He has spent half a decade in prison, where he has been mistreated and kept in seclusion.
“Sport is meant to inspire hope, unity, and courage,” the signatories wrote. “The execution of a titleholder for his political views is a blatant attack on these values and a warning to all sportspeople who dares to speak out.
Record of Putting to Death Athletes
The letter pointed out that the athlete's case was not unique and underscored the nation's record of sentencing to death competitors for their views, including Habib Khabiri, captain of the soccer squad, and a volleyball captain, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, Navid Afkari, a young Iranian sports titleholder, was put to death.
Further signatories to the letter include a yachting pioneer, who led the pioneering women's squad in a international sailing event and was the pioneering lady to receive a esteemed yachting trophy; the previous skipper of the soccer side a sports advocate; and a footballer, who was in the Iranian squad for the 1978 World Cup.
Apprehension and Unfair Trial
Vafaei Sani was detained in the spring of 2020. The charges against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of state assets”. His verdict has been overturned multiple times but on 4 October it was maintained on the third attempt. His legal proceedings was criticized as “deeply biased” by advocates and organizations.
Urging to UN
The appeal to halt Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment comes after a previous statement to the global human rights chief for human rights, endorsed by over 100 rights specialists and entities, calling for measures to prevent the athlete’s death.
Death Penalty Surge
Based on data, there is an “execution crisis in the country, which has achieved horrific levels”. In 2023, the government put to death at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on 2022. The year before, data showed nine hundred seventy-two executions, marking the peak figure since 2015. More than hundreds of people have been executed so far in 2025.
Activists and protesters are focus, notably in the aftermath of the the year 2022 protests. Specialists say the government have used the executions to quell dissent, generate fear among the population and reinforce their hold on power.
