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In excess of two dozen Olympic medal winners, trainers and additional world-class competitors have endorsed a statement urging a stop to the execution of a boxing titleholder and instructor, who is sentenced to die in the nation.

Escalating Global Anger

During increasing international outrage over Iran’s escalating use of executions as a instrument of oppression, the forcefully phrased appeal condemns the government's verdict to confirm the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The athlete, three decades old, from Mashhad in north-east Iran, was taken into custody for being involved in countrywide demonstrations in two thousand nineteen and accused of supporting an opposition group. He has spent five years in prison, where he has been tortured and held in seclusion.

“Athletics is designed to encourage hope, unity, and courage,” the supporters expressed. “The capital punishment of a titleholder for his beliefs is a clear violation on these ideals and a caution to any competitor who ventures to express dissent.

Record of Killing Athletes

The statement pointed out that the athlete's circumstances was not unique and highlighted the country's record of sentencing to death sports champions for their convictions, for example a national team leader, captain of the soccer squad, and Fourouzan Abdi, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, Navid Afkari, a 27-year Iranian sports titleholder, faced the death penalty.

Other signatories to the letter consist of a sailing champion, who captained the first all-female crew in a round-the-world competition and was the pioneering lady to receive a renowned nautical honor; the former leader of the soccer side a sports advocate; and a sports figure, who was in the Iranian squad for the global tournament.

Detention and Unjust Proceedings

The boxer was detained in March 2020. The accusations against him entailed “spreading corruption on Earth through fire-setting and damage of state assets”. His sentence has been overturned on two occasions but on October 4 it was maintained on the third occasion. His legal proceedings was denounced as “grossly unfair” by advocates and organizations.

Call to UN

The appeal to stop Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment comes after a 2023 appeal to the global human rights chief for human rights, backed by in excess of one hundred advocates and groups, calling for action to stop the sports figure's execution.

Capital Punishment Escalation

According to data, there is an “capital punishment escalation in Iran, which has achieved alarming levels”. In two thousand twenty-three, officials executed at least over 850 people – a 48% surge on 2022. The year before, data showed 972 deaths, representing the highest number since the year 2015. In excess of 800 people have been executed so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and dissidents are targets, especially in the aftermath of the the year 2022 demonstrations. Specialists say the government have utilized the executions to suppress opposition, create apprehension among the citizenry and strengthen their grip on rule.