A coalition of prominent international athletes has issued a public appeal to Iranian authorities to stop the impending execution of boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. The 30-year-old athlete faces capital punishment following his involvement in nationwide protests five years ago.
The collective statement, endorsed by Olympic medalists and sports figures across multiple disciplines, characterizes the planned execution as a fundamental violation of athletic principles. “Sport represents humanity’s highest aspirations for unity and courage,” the athletes declared. “Eliminating a champion for expressing political views strikes at the very heart of these ideals and serves as intimidation to any competitor who considers speaking freely.”
Vafaei Sani’s case reflects a broader pattern within Iran’s judicial system, where athletic figures have previously faced severe punishment for dissent. The letter references several prominent cases where Iranian sports professionals received death sentences for their political activities, demonstrating a concerning trend of targeting athletes who voice opposition.
International human rights monitors have documented a significant escalation in Iran’s use of capital punishment in recent years. Current estimates indicate execution rates have reached their highest levels in nearly a decade, with particular focus on individuals connected to protest movements and political opposition.
The athlete’s legal journey has seen multiple judicial reviews, with his sentence being overturned twice before being reinstated most recently in early October. Human rights organizations have consistently raised concerns about the fairness of judicial proceedings in such cases, citing inadequate legal representation and reliance on coerced testimony.
This latest appeal builds upon previous international efforts to prevent the athlete’s execution, including formal communications to United Nations human rights bodies signed by hundreds of experts and organizations. The growing international attention highlights deepening concern over Iran’s application of capital punishment as a mechanism for political control.
