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Over two dozen Olympic champions, trainers and further global sports figures have put their names to a appeal demanding a end to the execution of a boxing titleholder and coach, who is facing execution in the country.

Increasing Global Anger

Amid increasing worldwide anger over the nation's increasing application of executions as a tool of repression, the powerfully expressed statement denounces the government's decision to confirm the death sentence of the athlete.

The athlete, thirty, from Mashhad in north-east Iran, was arrested for being involved in countrywide demonstrations in two thousand nineteen and accused of supporting an dissident organization. He has spent five years in detention, where he has been tortured and kept in solitary confinement.

“Sport is intended to inspire faith, unity, and bravery,” the supporters stated. “The capital punishment of a titleholder for his opinions is a clear violation on these ideals and a admonition to any competitor who ventures to voice opinions.

Record of Killing Sports Figures

The appeal said that the boxer's situation was part of a pattern and emphasized Iran’s history of sentencing to death sports champions for their convictions, including Habib Khabiri, skipper of the football side, and a volleyball captain, leader of the women's volleyball squad. In the year 2020, a wrestling champion, a young national wrestling champion, was also executed.

Further supporters to the letter consist of Tracy Edwards, who led the pioneering all-female crew in a global yacht race and was the first woman to receive a renowned sailing award; the previous captain of the national squad Craig Foster; and a sports figure, who was in the Iranian squad for the international competition.

Apprehension and Unfair Trial

The boxer was detained in early 2020. The accusations against him entailed “spreading corruption on Earth through fire-setting and damage of government belongings”. His verdict has been overturned twice but on the fourth of October it was confirmed on the third attempt. His trial was criticized as “grossly unfair” by advocates and organizations.

Urging to UN

The appeal to halt Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment is subsequent to a 2023 letter to the global human rights chief for rights, signed by more than 100 rights specialists and organizations, urging measures to stop the athlete’s capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

According to data, there is an “death penalty surge in the country, which has achieved shocking proportions”. In two thousand twenty-three, authorities executed at least 853 people – a nearly half rise on the previous year. Last year, data showed 972 deaths, marking the highest number since 2015. More than eight hundred people have been executed so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and protesters are victims, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 demonstrations. Experts say the regime have utilized the executions to suppress opposition, create anxiety among the population and reinforce their control on rule.