🔗 Share this article Elite Athletes Urge on Iranian Authorities to Halt Execution of Boxing Star In excess of two dozen Olympic medallists, trainers and further international athletes have signed a appeal calling for a halt to the execution of a champion boxer and trainer, who is facing execution in Iran. Growing Worldwide Condemnation Amidst increasing international outrage over Iran’s expanding employment of executions as a tool of suppression, the forcefully phrased letter condemns the Iranian regime's decision to confirm the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. The boxer, 30, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was taken into custody for being involved in nationwide protests in the year 2019 and accused of aiding an opposition group. He has endured half a decade in detention, where he has been abused and held in isolation. “Sport is intended to promote optimism, solidarity, and bravery,” the supporters expressed. “The execution of a winner for his political views is a direct assault on these principles and a warning to any competitor who dares to voice opinions. History of Executing Competitors The letter noted that the athlete's case was not unique and emphasized Iran’s record of sentencing to death athletes for their convictions, for example Habib Khabiri, leader of the football side, and a volleyball captain, captain of the female volleyball side. In the year 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year Iranian wrestling champion, was put to death. Further supporters to the letter include a yachting pioneer, who captained the inaugural female-only team in a international sailing event and was the initial female to receive a prestigious yachting trophy; the ex- leader of the soccer side an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the global tournament. Detention and Unfair Trial The boxer was arrested in early 2020. The charges against him entailed “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and damage of public property”. His ruling has been annulled multiple times but on the fourth of October it was upheld on the third occasion. His court case was criticized as “deeply biased” by human rights activists and groups. Appeal to United Nations The appeal to halt the athlete's execution is subsequent to a earlier letter to the UN high commissioner for freedoms, signed by over 100 advocates and entities, demanding action to prevent the competitor's capital punishment. Execution Crisis According to data, there is an “capital punishment escalation in the country, which has achieved alarming proportions”. In two thousand twenty-three, officials put to death at least over 850 people – a nearly half surge on the previous year. Last year, statistics showed nine hundred seventy-two deaths, representing the maximum count since the year 2015. Over eight hundred people have been put to death so far in the current year. Political prisoners and opponents are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the the year 2022 protests. Experts say the regime have employed the executions to suppress dissent, create fear among the public and tighten their grip on power.