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Over twenty Olympic champions, mentors and further global sports figures have put their names to a statement urging a stop to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is on death row in Iran.

Growing International Outrage

Amidst growing international outrage over the country's escalating use of capital punishment as a instrument of repression, the powerfully expressed statement denounces the authorities's decision to uphold the execution order of the boxing champion.

The athlete, 30, from Mashhad in the northern province, was taken into custody for taking part in nationwide protests in two thousand nineteen and accused of supporting an resistance movement. He has endured half a decade in prison, where he has been mistreated and kept in solitary confinement.

“Sport is designed to encourage faith, unity, and bravery,” the endorsers stated. “The execution of a champion for his opinions is a direct assault on these values and a warning to every athlete who dares to voice opinions.

Record of Killing Competitors

The letter said that the athlete's case was not unique and highlighted the country's record of executing competitors for their views, for example Habib Khabiri, captain of the football side, and a women's sports leader, leader of the female volleyball side. In 2020, an athlete, a 27-year Iranian competitor, was also executed.

Other endorsers to the letter comprise a sailing champion, who skippered the first women's squad in a round-the-world competition and was the initial female to be awarded a renowned yachting trophy; the ex- skipper of the soccer side an athlete; and Bahram Mavaddat, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Arrest and Unfair Trial

Vafaei Sani was taken into custody in the spring of 2020. The allegations against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and damage of state assets”. His ruling has been annulled twice but on 4 October it was maintained on the third occasion. His trial was condemned as “highly unjust” by advocates and bodies.

Appeal to International Body

The appeal to prevent the boxer's execution follows a previous letter to the UN high commissioner for human rights, endorsed by over one hundred rights specialists and entities, calling for measures to avert the sports figure's capital punishment.

Death Penalty Surge

As per reports, there is an “execution crisis in the nation, which has achieved horrific levels”. In the year 2023, authorities sentenced at least over 850 people – a nearly half rise on 2022. The year before, records showed 972 deaths, representing the highest number since 2015. Over hundreds of people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and opponents are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022's demonstrations. Specialists say the regime have utilized the capital punishment to suppress dissent, instil anxiety among the population and tighten their grip on authority.