🔗 Share this article

Over 20 Olympic medallists, coaches and additional global sports figures have endorsed a letter calling for a halt to the capital punishment of a boxing titleholder and coach, who is sentenced to die in the nation.

Escalating Worldwide Condemnation

During growing worldwide anger over Iran’s increasing application of executions as a means of suppression, the powerfully expressed statement censures the Iranian regime's verdict to maintain the death sentence of the boxing champion.

Vafaei Sani, thirty, from Mashhad in the northern province, was taken into custody for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in the year 2019 and indicted of aiding an dissident organization. He has spent half a decade in incarceration, where he has been mistreated and kept in solitary confinement.

“Athletics is intended to encourage optimism, togetherness, and courage,” the signatories wrote. “The death penalty of a winner for his opinions is a clear violation on these ideals and a admonition to all sportspeople who ventures to voice opinions.

History of Killing Sports Figures

The letter noted that Vafaei Sani’s situation was not unique and highlighted Iran’s past of putting to death competitors for their convictions, such as a national team leader, leader of the soccer squad, and a women's sports leader, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year national sports titleholder, was also executed.

Additional signatories to the appeal consist of a yachting pioneer, who led the first female-only team in a global yacht race and was the pioneering lady to be awarded a prestigious nautical honor; the former captain of the Australian football team an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the national team for the international competition.

Apprehension and Flawed Legal Process

The boxer was arrested in the spring of 2020. The accusations against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of government belongings”. His verdict has been annulled multiple times but on October 4 it was upheld on the third attempt. His court case was criticized as “deeply biased” by advocates and groups.

Urging to International Body

The urging to halt Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment comes after a 2023 letter to the United Nations official for human rights, backed by over 100 rights specialists and groups, urging intervention to prevent the sports figure's death.

Capital Punishment Escalation

As per findings, there is an “execution crisis in the country, which has achieved shocking levels”. In two thousand twenty-three, authorities executed at least over 850 people – a 48% rise on the previous year. In the prior period, statistics showed 972 capital punishments, constituting the highest number since 2015. More than eight hundred people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Activists and opponents are targets, particularly in the aftermath of the the year 2022 demonstrations. Experts say the regime have utilized the capital punishment to suppress protest, instil fear among the public and strengthen their control on authority.