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More than 20 Olympic champions, trainers and further international athletes have signed a letter calling for a end to the execution of a boxing titleholder and instructor, who is sentenced to die in Iran.

Increasing International Outrage

During increasing international outrage over Iran’s expanding employment of executions as a tool of suppression, the strongly worded appeal denounces the government's ruling to confirm the capital punishment of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, 30, from the city in the northeastern region, was taken into custody for participating in countrywide demonstrations in the year 2019 and indicted of supporting an dissident organization. He has passed 60 months in detention, where he has been mistreated and kept in seclusion.

“Competition is designed to inspire faith, solidarity, and fortitude,” the endorsers stated. “The death penalty of a champion for his opinions is a clear violation on these ideals and a admonition to any competitor who attempts to voice opinions.

Pattern of Putting to Death Athletes

The letter pointed out that the athlete's case was not unique and emphasized the country's record of putting to death competitors for their views, for example a national team leader, captain of the national football team, and a volleyball captain, leader of the national women’s volleyball team. In two thousand twenty, an athlete, a 27-year-old Iranian wrestling champion, faced the death penalty.

Further signatories to the appeal consist of a sailing champion, who led the first female-only team in a global yacht race and was the initial female to receive a prestigious yachting trophy; the former captain of the Australian football team a sports advocate; and a sports figure, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Arrest and Unfair Trial

The boxer was detained in March 2020. The accusations against him entailed “spreading corruption on Earth through arson and damage of government belongings”. His ruling has been overturned twice but on 4 October it was confirmed on the third occasion. His legal proceedings was condemned as “grossly unfair” by advocates and groups.

Call to United Nations

The appeal to stop Vafaei Sani’s execution is subsequent to a previous appeal to the UN high commissioner for human rights, endorsed by more than a hundred rights specialists and entities, urging measures to prevent the athlete’s capital punishment.

Execution Crisis

Based on findings, there is an “capital punishment escalation in the country, which has attained alarming proportions”. In two thousand twenty-three, the government put to death at least eight hundred fifty-three people – a forty-eight percent rise on the previous year. Last year, records showed nearly a thousand deaths, representing the highest number since the year 2015. Over 800 people have been executed so far in the current year.

Political prisoners and opponents are focus, notably in the aftermath of the 2022's protests. Analysts say the Iranian authorities have used the capital punishment to quell dissent, create anxiety among the public and strengthen their grip on authority.