🔗 Share this article Olympians Appeal on Iranian Authorities to Halt Death Sentence of Boxing Star Over twenty Olympic medallists, coaches and further world-class competitors have put their names to a letter calling for a stop to the execution of a boxing champion and instructor, who is facing execution in the nation. Escalating Worldwide Condemnation Amidst growing worldwide anger over the country's increasing application of executions as a tool of oppression, the forcefully phrased appeal denounces the Iranian regime's verdict to maintain the execution order of the boxing champion. The boxer, thirty, from the city in the northern province, was detained for being involved in countrywide demonstrations in the year 2019 and indicted of aiding an dissident organization. He has passed 60 months in detention, where he has been abused and kept in isolation. “Competition is intended to promote hope, togetherness, and fortitude,” the supporters expressed. “The execution of a champion for his beliefs is a clear violation on these values and a warning to any competitor who attempts to voice opinions. History of Killing Competitors The letter noted that the boxer's situation was not unique and highlighted the country's history of sentencing to death competitors for their beliefs, such as Habib Khabiri, captain of the soccer squad, and a volleyball captain, captain of the female volleyball side. In two thousand twenty, Navid Afkari, a 27-year-old Iranian competitor, faced the death penalty. Additional endorsers to the appeal comprise a sailing champion, who led the inaugural all-female crew in a global yacht race and was the pioneering lady to earn a prestigious nautical honor; the previous captain of the Australian football team Craig Foster; and Bahram Mavaddat, who was in the national team for the global tournament. Apprehension and Unfair Trial The athlete was taken into custody in March 2020. The allegations against him entailed “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and destruction of state assets”. His ruling has been reversed on two occasions but on the fourth of October it was upheld on the latest review. His court case was condemned as “deeply biased” by rights defenders and bodies. Appeal to International Body The appeal to stop the boxer's death sentence follows a 2023 appeal to the global human rights chief for rights, signed by over 100 rights specialists and entities, demanding action to avert the sports figure's death. Death Penalty Surge As per reports, there is an “execution crisis in the country, which has attained alarming levels”. In two thousand twenty-three, the government sentenced at least 853 people – a 48% increase on 2022. Last year, records showed nearly a thousand deaths, constituting the maximum count since two thousand fifteen. More than hundreds of people have been executed so far in 2025. Activists and opponents are victims, especially in the wake of the 2022's protests. Specialists say the Iranian authorities have used the executions to quell protest, create anxiety among the public and tighten their grip on authority.