Sports Champions Urge on Iranian Authorities to Stop Execution of Boxing Star

In excess of two dozen Olympic medal winners, trainers and other global sports figures have endorsed a appeal demanding a stop to the execution of a champion boxer and instructor, who is facing execution in the country.

Increasing International Outrage

Amidst increasing international outrage over the country's escalating use of executions as a means of suppression, the forcefully phrased appeal censures the government's decision to confirm the execution order of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, three decades old, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was taken into custody for participating in national uprisings in the year 2019 and accused of aiding an opposition group. He has endured 60 months in incarceration, where he has been abused and confined in seclusion.

“Athletics is meant to encourage hope, solidarity, and fortitude,” the signatories stated. “The execution of a champion for his political views is a blatant attack on these ideals and a warning to any competitor who attempts to speak out.

History of Killing Athletes

The letter pointed out that the boxer's case was part of a pattern and emphasized Iran’s record of executing sports champions for their views, for example a football captain, skipper of the national football team, and a volleyball captain, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In the year 2020, a wrestling champion, a young national competitor, was also executed.

Additional supporters to the statement comprise a yachting pioneer, who skippered the pioneering female-only team in a round-the-world competition and was the pioneering lady to receive a esteemed nautical honor; the previous leader of the national squad Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the national team for the international competition.

Arrest and Unfair Trial

The boxer was arrested in early 2020. The allegations against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and destruction of state assets”. His verdict has been annulled multiple times but on October 4 it was maintained on the third attempt. His trial was denounced as “highly unjust” by human rights activists and organizations.

Call to UN

The appeal to halt the athlete's execution follows a previous appeal to the UN high commissioner for rights, signed by over a hundred human rights experts and entities, demanding action to avert the athlete’s death.

Death Penalty Surge

According to findings, there is an “execution crisis in Iran, which has achieved shocking dimensions”. In 2023, officials executed at least 853 people – a 48% surge on 2022. The year before, statistics showed nine hundred seventy-two deaths, marking the highest number since two thousand fifteen. In excess of eight hundred people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Activists and opponents are targets, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022's demonstrations. Specialists say the Iranian authorities have employed the capital punishment to stifle protest, generate apprehension among the population and reinforce their grip on rule.