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More than twenty Olympic medallists, trainers and additional global sports figures have signed a letter urging a end to the death penalty of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is sentenced to die in Iran.

Growing Global Anger

Amidst increasing worldwide anger over Iran’s increasing application of executions as a means of repression, the forcefully phrased statement condemns the Iranian regime's ruling to uphold the capital punishment of the boxing champion.

The athlete, 30, from the city in the northern province, was detained for being involved in national uprisings in the year 2019 and charged of aiding an dissident organization. He has passed 60 months in incarceration, where he has been tortured and confined in seclusion.

“Sport is intended to inspire optimism, solidarity, and fortitude,” the signatories stated. “The capital punishment of a champion for his political views is a clear violation on these ideals and a admonition to any competitor who attempts to speak out.

Pattern of Executing Sports Figures

The statement pointed out that the boxer's situation was part of a pattern and emphasized Iran’s history of putting to death competitors for their beliefs, for example a football captain, skipper of the national football team, and a women's sports leader, leader of the women's volleyball squad. In two thousand twenty, Navid Afkari, a young national wrestling champion, faced the death penalty.

Further endorsers to the appeal include a sailing champion, who led the pioneering all-female crew in a round-the-world competition and was the pioneering lady to earn a prestigious yachting trophy; the former leader of the Australian football team Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the national team for the global tournament.

Detention and Flawed Legal Process

Vafaei Sani was arrested in March 2020. The allegations against him entailed “promoting decay on Earth through arson and ruin of state assets”. His sentence has been overturned twice but on 4 October it was confirmed on the third occasion. His legal proceedings was criticized as “deeply biased” by human rights activists and organizations.

Appeal to International Body

The urging to prevent the boxer's execution comes after a 2023 letter to the United Nations official for human rights, backed by in excess of 100 advocates and organizations, urging action to stop the sports figure's capital punishment.

Death Penalty Surge

Based on data, there is an “death penalty surge in the nation, which has achieved shocking proportions”. In the year 2023, authorities executed at least over 850 people – a forty-eight percent surge on 2022. Last year, statistics showed nine hundred seventy-two capital punishments, marking the highest number since the year 2015. Over 800 people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Dissidents and opponents are victims, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 demonstrations. Analysts say the regime have used the executions to stifle opposition, instil anxiety among the public and reinforce their control on rule.