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More than 20 Olympic medallists, trainers and other international athletes have put their names to a appeal demanding a end to the death penalty of a boxing champion and trainer, who is sentenced to die in the country.

Growing Global Anger

Amid rising worldwide anger over the nation's expanding employment of capital punishment as a means of repression, the forcefully phrased statement denounces the government's decision to uphold the execution order of the athlete.

The athlete, 30, from the city in the northeastern region, was arrested for taking part in countrywide demonstrations in 2019 and indicted of supporting an dissident organization. He has passed five years in incarceration, where he has been abused and kept in isolation.

“Athletics is designed to promote faith, togetherness, and courage,” the signatories expressed. “The death penalty of a champion for his beliefs is a clear violation on these principles and a admonition to any competitor who attempts to speak out.

Record of Executing Athletes

The letter said that the boxer's case was not unique and highlighted Iran’s record of sentencing to death sports champions for their beliefs, such as Habib Khabiri, leader of the national football team, and a women's sports leader, leader of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, an athlete, a young Iranian sports titleholder, faced the death penalty.

Other signatories to the appeal comprise Tracy Edwards, who skippered the first female-only team in a international sailing event and was the first woman to earn a renowned yachting trophy; the ex- skipper of the national squad Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the international competition.

Apprehension and Flawed Legal Process

The boxer was taken into custody in March 2020. The allegations against him comprised “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of public property”. His sentence has been annulled multiple times but on the fourth of October it was upheld on the third attempt. His trial was denounced as “deeply biased” by advocates and groups.

Appeal to UN

The appeal to stop Vafaei Sani’s death sentence is subsequent to a 2023 appeal to the global human rights chief for human rights, endorsed by more than a hundred rights specialists and entities, demanding intervention to prevent the sports figure's capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

According to data, there is an “execution crisis in the nation, which has achieved shocking levels”. In the year 2023, authorities executed at least 853 people – a nearly half surge on the previous year. Last year, statistics showed nine hundred seventy-two executions, representing the highest number since the year 2015. Over eight hundred people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Dissidents and protesters are victims, particularly in the aftermath of the 2022 protests. Analysts say the Iranian authorities have utilized the executions to stifle dissent, generate fear among the citizenry and strengthen their control on rule.