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In excess of twenty Olympic champions, trainers and additional world-class competitors have signed a appeal demanding a stop to the execution of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is on death row in the nation.

Growing International Outrage

Amidst increasing global condemnation over Iran’s increasing application of capital punishment as a instrument of repression, the forcefully phrased appeal denounces the government's decision to maintain the death sentence of the boxing champion.

The boxer, 30, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was detained for participating in national uprisings in two thousand nineteen and accused of backing an dissident organization. He has passed five years in incarceration, where he has been tortured and kept in solitary confinement.

“Competition is designed to promote hope, unity, and fortitude,” the endorsers wrote. “The execution of a winner for his beliefs is a direct assault on these ideals and a warning to any competitor who ventures to speak out.

Record of Killing Athletes

The letter noted that the athlete's circumstances was not an isolated one and underscored Iran’s record of putting to death sports champions for their convictions, for example a national team leader, captain of the soccer squad, and a volleyball captain, skipper of the women's volleyball squad. In two thousand twenty, Navid Afkari, a 27-year Iranian wrestling champion, was also executed.

Additional signatories to the appeal comprise a sailing champion, who led the inaugural female-only team in a international sailing event and was the initial female to earn a esteemed sailing award; the previous skipper of the national squad a sports advocate; and a sports figure, who was in the country's selection for the global tournament.

Arrest and Flawed Legal Process

Vafaei Sani was taken into custody in March 2020. The accusations against him included “promoting decay on Earth through arson and destruction of state assets”. His sentence has been overturned multiple times but on October 4 it was confirmed on the latest review. His court case was denounced as “highly unjust” by advocates and organizations.

Call to United Nations

The appeal to prevent Vafaei Sani’s execution follows a 2023 letter to the UN high commissioner for human rights, backed by over a hundred rights specialists and groups, urging intervention to prevent the competitor's capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

Based on data, there is an “death penalty surge in the country, which has attained alarming levels”. In the year 2023, authorities put to death at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on 2022. Last year, records showed 972 deaths, marking the maximum count since the year 2015. In excess of 800 people have been sentenced so far in the current year.

Political prisoners and protesters are targets, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 uprising. Experts say the regime have used the capital punishment to suppress dissent, instil fear among the citizenry and tighten their hold on power.