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In excess of two dozen Olympic champions, mentors and further world-class competitors have signed a statement demanding a halt to the execution of a boxing champion and trainer, who is sentenced to die in the country.

Increasing International Outrage

During increasing international outrage over the nation's increasing application of executions as a instrument of repression, the forcefully phrased statement censures the government's verdict to confirm the execution order of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.

The boxer, 30, from the city in the northern province, was taken into custody for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in two thousand nineteen and indicted of supporting an resistance movement. He has passed half a decade in incarceration, where he has been tortured and held in seclusion.

“Athletics is meant to promote optimism, togetherness, and courage,” the signatories stated. “The death penalty of a titleholder for his opinions is a direct assault on these ideals and a caution to every athlete who dares to speak out.

Record of Putting to Death Sports Figures

The letter pointed out that the boxer's circumstances was not unique and underscored the country's past of putting to death sports champions for their views, including a national team leader, skipper of the soccer squad, and Fourouzan Abdi, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year-old Iranian sports titleholder, was also executed.

Other signatories to the appeal comprise Tracy Edwards, who captained the pioneering all-female crew in a global yacht race and was the pioneering lady to earn a renowned nautical honor; the previous captain of the Australian football team an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the Iranian squad for the 1978 World Cup.

Arrest and Unfair Trial

The boxer was arrested in early 2020. The charges against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and ruin of state assets”. His sentence has been overturned multiple times but on October 4 it was confirmed on the third attempt. His legal proceedings was denounced as “deeply biased” by human rights activists and bodies.

Urging to UN

The appeal to stop Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment follows a previous statement to the UN high commissioner for human rights, signed by over 100 advocates and entities, calling for action to avert the athlete’s death.

Capital Punishment Escalation

Based on findings, there is an “execution crisis in the nation, which has attained horrific dimensions”. In 2023, officials executed at least over 850 people – a 48% increase on 2022. The year before, records showed nine hundred seventy-two capital punishments, representing the maximum count since the year 2015. More than eight hundred people have been sentenced so far in the current year.

Dissidents and opponents are focus, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 uprising. Analysts say the government have employed the executions to suppress opposition, generate apprehension among the public and tighten their hold on authority.