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More than twenty Olympic medallists, trainers and additional world-class competitors have signed a appeal demanding a end to the death penalty of a boxing titleholder and instructor, who is on death row in Iran.

Increasing International Outrage

Amidst rising global condemnation over Iran’s escalating use of capital punishment as a tool of repression, the forcefully phrased statement denounces the authorities's verdict to uphold the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, three decades old, from Mashhad in north-east Iran, was taken into custody for being involved in countrywide demonstrations in the year 2019 and accused of supporting an resistance movement. He has endured half a decade in incarceration, where he has been mistreated and kept in isolation.

“Sport is meant to promote faith, solidarity, and fortitude,” the endorsers wrote. “The death penalty of a winner for his political views is a blatant attack on these ideals and a admonition to every athlete who attempts to voice opinions.

History of Putting to Death Athletes

The letter said that the boxer's situation was not an isolated one and emphasized the country's history of sentencing to death athletes for their convictions, such as a football captain, captain of the national football team, and Fourouzan Abdi, captain of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a young Iranian competitor, was put to death.

Additional supporters to the letter comprise a sailing champion, who skippered the pioneering female-only team in a global yacht race and was the pioneering lady to earn a prestigious yachting trophy; the previous skipper of the soccer side a sports advocate; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Apprehension and Unjust Proceedings

The boxer was taken into custody in early 2020. The accusations against him included “spreading corruption on Earth through fire-setting and destruction of government belongings”. His verdict has been overturned on two occasions but on October 4 it was upheld on the latest review. His court case was criticized as “grossly unfair” by rights defenders and groups.

Appeal to International Body

The urging to halt the athlete's execution comes after a 2023 appeal to the United Nations official for rights, endorsed by over 100 advocates and entities, demanding measures to avert the competitor's execution.

Execution Crisis

As per findings, there is an “death penalty surge in the nation, which has attained alarming levels”. In the year 2023, the government executed at least over 850 people – a 48% rise on 2022. Last year, statistics showed nine hundred seventy-two deaths, representing the highest number since the year 2015. Over eight hundred people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Dissidents and opponents are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the the year 2022 uprising. Analysts say the government have used the death penalty to quell dissent, create fear among the citizenry and tighten their hold on authority.