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More than 20 Olympic champions, trainers and further global sports figures have put their names to a appeal calling for a end to the execution of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is sentenced to die in the country.

Increasing International Outrage

During rising international outrage over the country's increasing application of the death penalty as a means of oppression, the strongly worded statement condemns the authorities's verdict to maintain the capital punishment of the athlete.

The athlete, three decades old, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was arrested for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in 2019 and accused of supporting an opposition group. He has passed 60 months in incarceration, where he has been tortured and confined in solitary confinement.

“Athletics is meant to inspire faith, unity, and fortitude,” the supporters expressed. “The death penalty of a titleholder for his opinions is a blatant attack on these principles and a caution to any competitor who ventures to speak out.

Pattern of Executing Competitors

The appeal said that the boxer's case was not unique and underscored the nation's record of executing athletes for their convictions, for example a national team leader, skipper of the football side, and a women's sports leader, leader of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year national competitor, was put to death.

Other supporters to the statement comprise a yachting pioneer, who led the pioneering female-only team in a round-the-world competition and was the pioneering lady to receive a prestigious sailing award; the ex- leader of the national squad a sports advocate; and a sports figure, who was in the national team for the global tournament.

Detention and Unjust Proceedings

The athlete was detained in March 2020. The charges against him included “spreading corruption on Earth through fire-setting and damage of public property”. His ruling has been reversed twice but on the fourth of October it was maintained on the third attempt. His legal proceedings was denounced as “highly unjust” by advocates and organizations.

Call to UN

The appeal to prevent Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment comes after a previous letter to the global human rights chief for rights, endorsed by in excess of a hundred human rights experts and groups, demanding action to avert the sports figure's death.

Execution Crisis

According to findings, there is an “execution crisis in the nation, which has achieved alarming dimensions”. In the year 2023, the government put to death at least over 850 people – a forty-eight percent rise on 2022. Last year, records showed nearly a thousand deaths, representing the highest number since 2015. More than 800 people have been executed so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and opponents are focus, especially in the aftermath of the 2022's uprising. Analysts say the Iranian authorities have used the executions to stifle protest, instil apprehension among the citizenry and reinforce their control on power.