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In excess of 20 Olympic champions, coaches and additional world-class competitors have put their names to a statement demanding a halt to the death penalty of a champion boxer and coach, who is sentenced to die in the nation.

Escalating Worldwide Condemnation

Amidst increasing worldwide anger over Iran’s increasing application of capital punishment as a means of suppression, the powerfully expressed letter censures the government's verdict to confirm the death sentence of the boxing champion.

The athlete, 30, from the city in the northeastern region, was taken into custody for being involved in national uprisings in 2019 and accused of backing an opposition group. He has passed five years in detention, where he has been tortured and held in seclusion.

“Competition is designed to inspire faith, solidarity, and courage,” the signatories stated. “The execution of a titleholder for his political views is a clear violation on these ideals and a caution to any competitor who attempts to express dissent.

History of Putting to Death Competitors

The letter pointed out that Vafaei Sani’s case was part of a pattern and highlighted the country's history of putting to death competitors for their convictions, for example a national team leader, captain of the soccer squad, and a women's sports leader, captain of the female volleyball side. In two thousand twenty, a wrestling champion, a 27-year-old Iranian wrestling champion, was also executed.

Additional signatories to the appeal comprise a sailing champion, who led the pioneering women's squad in a round-the-world competition and was the pioneering lady to be awarded a esteemed sailing award; the ex- skipper of the national squad Craig Foster; and a footballer, who was in the national team for the global tournament.

Detention and Unjust Proceedings

The boxer was detained in March 2020. The accusations against him entailed “causing deterioration on Earth through fire-setting and ruin of government belongings”. His sentence has been overturned on two occasions but on the fourth of October it was maintained on the third attempt. His court case was condemned as “deeply biased” by advocates and groups.

Appeal to UN

The appeal to halt the boxer's death sentence is subsequent to a 2023 appeal to the United Nations official for human rights, endorsed by over one hundred advocates and organizations, demanding intervention to avert the sports figure's death.

Death Penalty Surge

According to reports, there is an “death penalty surge in the nation, which has reached alarming dimensions”. In 2023, authorities put to death at least over 850 people – a 48% surge on the previous year. In the prior period, statistics showed 972 deaths, constituting the highest number since the year 2015. Over hundreds of people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Political prisoners and protesters are targets, notably in the wake of the 2022 protests. Analysts say the regime have employed the capital punishment to quell opposition, generate anxiety among the citizenry and strengthen their hold on authority.