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Over twenty Olympic medallists, mentors and other world-class competitors have put their names to a statement demanding a end to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is facing execution in the nation.

Growing International Outrage

Amid rising international outrage over the nation's escalating use of executions as a instrument of suppression, the powerfully expressed letter censures the authorities's verdict to maintain the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, thirty, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was arrested for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in 2019 and accused of backing an opposition group. He has spent 60 months in prison, where he has been abused and held in seclusion.

“Sport is meant to inspire optimism, solidarity, and courage,” the signatories wrote. “The death penalty of a winner for his beliefs is a direct assault on these values and a warning to every athlete who attempts to speak out.

Record of Killing Competitors

The appeal pointed out that the athlete's situation was part of a pattern and underscored the country's record of executing athletes for their beliefs, including a national team leader, captain of the soccer squad, and a volleyball captain, leader of the female volleyball side. In the year 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year national sports titleholder, was put to death.

Other endorsers to the statement include a sailing champion, who led the pioneering all-female crew in a international sailing event and was the first woman to earn a esteemed sailing award; the ex- captain of the national squad an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the global tournament.

Apprehension and Unfair Trial

The athlete was arrested in the spring of 2020. The charges against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of public property”. His sentence has been overturned on two occasions but on October 4 it was maintained on the third attempt. His legal proceedings was criticized as “highly unjust” by rights defenders and organizations.

Urging to UN

The call to stop the athlete's death sentence comes after a 2023 statement to the global human rights chief for rights, backed by in excess of a hundred human rights experts and entities, urging intervention to avert the athlete’s capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

Based on data, there is an “execution crisis in Iran, which has attained horrific dimensions”. In 2023, officials executed at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on 2022. The year before, data showed nine hundred seventy-two deaths, representing the highest number since the year 2015. In excess of 800 people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Activists and protesters are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the the year 2022 uprising. Analysts say the government have utilized the executions to suppress protest, instil fear among the public and tighten their hold on authority.