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In excess of 20 Olympic medallists, trainers and additional international athletes have signed a letter urging a stop to the execution of a champion boxer and instructor, who is on death row in the country.

Growing Worldwide Condemnation

Amid rising international outrage over Iran’s escalating use of capital punishment as a means of suppression, the strongly worded letter denounces the authorities's verdict to maintain the death sentence of the athlete.

The athlete, 30, from the city in the northern province, was detained for taking part in national uprisings in the year 2019 and indicted of supporting an dissident organization. He has endured 60 months in prison, where he has been mistreated and held in seclusion.

“Sport is meant to inspire faith, solidarity, and courage,” the signatories expressed. “The capital punishment of a titleholder for his opinions is a blatant attack on these ideals and a caution to any competitor who attempts to voice opinions.

History of Executing Athletes

The statement pointed out that Vafaei Sani’s situation was part of a pattern and highlighted the nation's past of putting to death athletes for their convictions, including Habib Khabiri, captain of the national football team, and Fourouzan Abdi, leader of the female volleyball side. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year Iranian wrestling champion, was also executed.

Further supporters to the letter consist of a yachting pioneer, who captained the inaugural female-only team in a global yacht race and was the first woman to receive a esteemed sailing award; the former leader of the Australian football team Craig Foster; and a sports figure, who was in the country's selection for the global tournament.

Apprehension and Flawed Legal Process

Vafaei Sani was arrested in the spring of 2020. The allegations against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of state assets”. His verdict has been reversed on two occasions but on October 4 it was maintained on the third attempt. His court case was criticized as “highly unjust” by human rights activists and organizations.

Urging to International Body

The call to stop the athlete's death sentence is subsequent to a earlier statement to the United Nations official for human rights, backed by in excess of one hundred rights specialists and groups, urging intervention to avert the athlete’s death.

Death Penalty Surge

Based on findings, there is an “death penalty surge in Iran, which has reached alarming proportions”. In 2023, authorities executed at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on 2022. In the prior period, records showed 972 deaths, constituting the peak figure since 2015. In excess of 800 people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Activists and dissidents are focus, especially in the wake of the the year 2022 uprising. Specialists say the regime have utilized the death penalty to quell protest, instil apprehension among the public and reinforce their control on rule.