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More than two dozen Olympic medallists, mentors and other international athletes have signed a appeal demanding a halt to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is sentenced to die in Iran.

Increasing Global Anger

Amid rising worldwide anger over the country's expanding employment of executions as a tool of oppression, the forcefully phrased letter condemns the Iranian regime's decision to maintain the execution order of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, three decades old, from Mashhad in the northern province, was taken into custody for participating in national uprisings in the year 2019 and charged of supporting an resistance movement. He has endured half a decade in incarceration, where he has been abused and held in solitary confinement.

“Sport is intended to inspire optimism, solidarity, and fortitude,” the supporters expressed. “The death penalty of a winner for his opinions is a clear violation on these ideals and a caution to any competitor who attempts to speak out.

Pattern of Executing Athletes

The letter pointed out that the athlete's situation was not unique and underscored Iran’s history of putting to death competitors for their views, for example Habib Khabiri, leader of the soccer squad, and a women's sports leader, skipper of the women's volleyball squad. In two thousand twenty, an athlete, a 27-year-old Iranian competitor, faced the death penalty.

Additional signatories to the appeal include Tracy Edwards, who skippered the first female-only team in a round-the-world competition and was the initial female to be awarded a prestigious sailing award; the ex- captain of the national squad Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Arrest and Unfair Trial

The boxer was detained in early 2020. The allegations against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and ruin of government belongings”. His verdict has been overturned twice but on the fourth of October it was upheld on the third occasion. His legal proceedings was denounced as “highly unjust” by human rights activists and groups.

Appeal to International Body

The call to halt the boxer's death sentence comes after a 2023 appeal to the global human rights chief for rights, endorsed by over a hundred advocates and organizations, demanding action to prevent the competitor's capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

As per reports, there is an “capital punishment escalation in the country, which has attained alarming proportions”. In the year 2023, authorities put to death at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on the previous year. In the prior period, records showed nine hundred seventy-two executions, representing the maximum count since 2015. In excess of hundreds of people have been executed so far in 2025.

Activists and opponents are focus, notably in the aftermath of the the year 2022 demonstrations. Specialists say the Iranian authorities have employed the death penalty to quell opposition, instil apprehension among the public and strengthen their grip on rule.