🔗 Share this article Elite Athletes Appeal on Iranian Authorities to Stop Execution of Boxing Star Over twenty Olympic medallists, mentors and other international athletes have put their names to a statement urging a end to the execution of a boxing titleholder and coach, who is facing execution in Iran. Escalating Global Anger During growing international outrage over the nation's expanding employment of the death penalty as a instrument of oppression, the powerfully expressed letter censures the Iranian regime's ruling to uphold the death sentence of the boxing champion. The athlete, 30, from Mashhad in north-east Iran, was taken into custody for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in the year 2019 and charged of aiding an opposition group. He has endured five years in prison, where he has been mistreated and held in seclusion. “Sport is meant to encourage optimism, unity, and fortitude,” the signatories expressed. “The capital punishment of a champion for his opinions is a clear violation on these values and a caution to any competitor who dares to voice opinions. Pattern of Putting to Death Athletes The statement said that the athlete's circumstances was part of a pattern and underscored the nation's record of sentencing to death athletes for their views, such as a national team leader, captain of the football side, and a women's sports leader, leader of the national women’s volleyball team. In two thousand twenty, an athlete, a 27-year-old national wrestling champion, faced the death penalty. Further signatories to the statement consist of Tracy Edwards, who skippered the first all-female crew in a round-the-world competition and was the initial female to receive a esteemed nautical honor; the previous captain of the Australian football team an athlete; and Bahram Mavaddat, who was in the national team for the global tournament. Apprehension and Unfair Trial The athlete was taken into custody in the spring of 2020. The accusations against him entailed “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and ruin of public property”. His ruling has been reversed twice but on October 4 it was confirmed on the latest review. His legal proceedings was condemned as “highly unjust” by advocates and bodies. Appeal to International Body The appeal to prevent the athlete's capital punishment comes after a earlier statement to the UN high commissioner for human rights, endorsed by more than 100 rights specialists and organizations, urging action to prevent the athlete’s death. Capital Punishment Escalation According to reports, there is an “death penalty surge in the country, which has attained alarming proportions”. In 2023, the government put to death at least eight hundred fifty-three people – a 48% surge on 2022. The year before, records showed 972 deaths, representing the peak figure since the year 2015. In excess of 800 people have been put to death so far in 2025. Political prisoners and dissidents are victims, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 demonstrations. Analysts say the regime have employed the capital punishment to suppress protest, generate apprehension among the citizenry and tighten their hold on authority.