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In excess of twenty Olympic medal winners, mentors and other international athletes have signed a letter urging a end to the death penalty of a champion boxer and instructor, who is facing execution in the nation.

Increasing Worldwide Condemnation

During increasing global condemnation over Iran’s escalating use of executions as a tool of repression, the strongly worded statement condemns the Iranian regime's decision to maintain the capital punishment of the athlete.

The boxer, 30, from the city in the northeastern region, was arrested for participating in nationwide protests in 2019 and indicted of backing an resistance movement. He has endured half a decade in prison, where he has been tortured and confined in isolation.

“Sport is designed to encourage hope, solidarity, and bravery,” the supporters expressed. “The execution of a titleholder for his beliefs is a blatant attack on these principles and a warning to any competitor who attempts to voice opinions.

Record of Killing Sports Figures

The letter said that the boxer's case was part of a pattern and underscored the nation's past of sentencing to death athletes for their convictions, including a football captain, skipper of the soccer squad, and Fourouzan Abdi, captain of the female volleyball side. In two thousand twenty, an athlete, a 27-year-old national wrestling champion, was put to death.

Additional signatories to the appeal include a sailing champion, who led the inaugural female-only team in a global yacht race 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 Iranian squad for the global tournament.

Arrest and Unjust Proceedings

Vafaei Sani was arrested in the spring of 2020. The allegations against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and destruction of state assets”. His ruling has been overturned on two occasions but on 4 October it was confirmed on the third attempt. His legal proceedings was denounced as “highly unjust” by advocates and organizations.

Appeal to International Body

The appeal to stop Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment is subsequent to a 2023 appeal to the global human rights chief for human rights, backed by more than one hundred human rights experts and groups, urging action to prevent the athlete’s death.

Death Penalty Surge

As per findings, there is an “death penalty surge in the country, which has achieved shocking dimensions”. In two thousand twenty-three, officials sentenced at least over 850 people – a 48% rise on 2022. In the prior period, records showed 972 deaths, representing the peak figure since the year 2015. Over hundreds of people have been executed so far in 2025.

Activists and protesters are victims, especially in the aftermath of the the year 2022 protests. Experts say the regime have used the capital punishment to stifle protest, create fear among the citizenry and strengthen their grip on authority.