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In excess of twenty Olympic champions, trainers and further world-class competitors have signed a appeal calling for a end to the capital punishment of a boxing champion and trainer, who is on death row in the country.

Escalating Global Anger

Amid rising worldwide anger over the nation's escalating use of the death penalty as a means of suppression, the forcefully phrased letter denounces the authorities's verdict to maintain the capital punishment of the boxing champion.

The athlete, three decades old, from the city in the northeastern region, was detained for taking part in national uprisings in 2019 and indicted of supporting an opposition group. He has passed five years in detention, where he has been tortured and confined in solitary confinement.

“Athletics is designed to encourage hope, solidarity, and bravery,” the supporters stated. “The execution of a champion for his opinions is a direct assault on these values and a admonition to any competitor who dares to speak out.

History of Executing Sports Figures

The letter said that the boxer's circumstances was not unique and underscored Iran’s history of putting to death competitors for their views, such as a national team leader, leader of the national football team, and Fourouzan Abdi, skipper of the national women’s volleyball team. In the year 2020, an athlete, a 27-year-old national competitor, faced the death penalty.

Other signatories to the statement comprise Tracy Edwards, who led the inaugural women's squad in a international sailing event and was the initial female to receive a prestigious nautical honor; the former skipper of the soccer side an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the 1978 World Cup.

Arrest and Unjust Proceedings

Vafaei Sani was taken into custody in March 2020. The accusations against him entailed “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and damage of state assets”. His verdict has been annulled twice but on October 4 it was upheld on the latest review. His trial was condemned as “grossly unfair” by rights defenders and groups.

Appeal to International Body

The call to stop Vafaei Sani’s capital punishment is subsequent to a earlier statement to the global human rights chief for human rights, backed by over a hundred advocates and organizations, demanding action to prevent the sports figure's death.

Execution Crisis

As per findings, there is an “capital punishment escalation in Iran, which has attained alarming levels”. In two thousand twenty-three, officials put to death at least over 850 people – a forty-eight percent surge on 2022. Last year, data showed 972 deaths, representing the maximum count since two thousand fifteen. More than hundreds of people have been sentenced so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and dissidents are focus, especially in the aftermath of the the year 2022 protests. Specialists say the government have utilized the death penalty to stifle dissent, instil apprehension among the population and strengthen their hold on authority.