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Over two dozen Olympic champions, trainers and additional world-class competitors have put their names to a statement demanding a end to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is facing execution in Iran.

Escalating Global Anger

During rising worldwide anger over Iran’s increasing application of capital punishment as a instrument of suppression, the strongly worded appeal condemns the Iranian regime's verdict to maintain the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, thirty, from the city in the northeastern region, was arrested for participating in countrywide demonstrations in 2019 and indicted of supporting an resistance movement. He has passed half a decade in prison, where he has been tortured and kept in seclusion.

“Athletics is designed to inspire optimism, unity, and bravery,” the signatories expressed. “The death penalty of a winner for his beliefs is a direct assault on these principles and a warning to every athlete who dares to express dissent.

History of Putting to Death Athletes

The statement said that Vafaei Sani’s circumstances was not unique and underscored Iran’s history of putting to death competitors for their beliefs, including a football captain, captain of the football side, and a volleyball captain, skipper of the female volleyball side. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a young national sports titleholder, faced the death penalty.

Additional signatories to the letter consist of a yachting pioneer, who skippered the first female-only team in a international sailing event and was the pioneering lady to be awarded a esteemed sailing award; the ex- leader of the soccer side a sports advocate; and Bahram Mavaddat, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Detention and Unfair Trial

The boxer was detained in March 2020. The allegations against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and damage of public property”. His ruling has been annulled twice but on the fourth of October it was upheld on the third attempt. His court case was condemned as “highly unjust” by rights defenders and bodies.

Call to UN

The urging to stop the boxer's capital punishment is subsequent to a previous statement to the UN high commissioner for human rights, backed by over one hundred rights specialists and groups, urging measures to prevent the sports figure's death.

Execution Crisis

As per data, there is an “execution crisis in the nation, which has achieved horrific dimensions”. In 2023, authorities sentenced at least 853 people – a 48% rise on the previous year. Last year, data showed 972 deaths, representing the highest number since the year 2015. Over hundreds of people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Dissidents and dissidents are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022's protests. Experts say the government have used the capital punishment to suppress protest, create fear among the citizenry and tighten their grip on rule.