🔗 Share this article Elite Athletes Appeal on Iranian Authorities to Halt Execution of Boxing Champion In excess of two dozen Olympic medallists, trainers and additional international athletes have endorsed a appeal urging a halt to the capital punishment of a boxing titleholder and trainer, who is facing execution in Iran. Increasing International Outrage During rising global condemnation over Iran’s escalating use of capital punishment as a means of repression, the forcefully phrased appeal censures the authorities's verdict to confirm the execution order of the boxing champion. Vafaei Sani, three decades old, from Mashhad in the northeastern region, was detained for being involved in countrywide demonstrations in 2019 and charged of aiding an opposition group. He has endured half a decade in prison, where he has been abused and kept in isolation. “Competition is intended to promote optimism, solidarity, and bravery,” the supporters wrote. “The capital punishment of a titleholder for his opinions is a blatant attack on these ideals and a caution to every athlete who dares to voice opinions. Pattern of Killing Competitors The letter noted that the athlete's situation was not unique and highlighted Iran’s history of putting to death sports champions for their convictions, such as a football captain, skipper of the football side, and Fourouzan Abdi, captain of the national women’s volleyball team. In 2020, Navid Afkari, a 27-year Iranian sports titleholder, was also executed. Other signatories to the appeal consist of Tracy Edwards, who led the pioneering female-only team in a round-the-world competition and was the first woman to receive a esteemed yachting trophy; the ex- captain of the soccer side an athlete; and a footballer, who was in the country's selection for the international competition. Apprehension and Flawed Legal Process The boxer was arrested in March 2020. The accusations against him comprised “spreading corruption on Earth through arson and damage of government belongings”. His sentence has been overturned twice but on October 4 it was confirmed on the third occasion. His court case was condemned as “deeply biased” by advocates and bodies. Urging to International Body The appeal to halt the boxer's capital punishment follows a earlier letter to the global human rights chief for human rights, signed by over a hundred rights specialists and organizations, demanding intervention to stop the sports figure's capital punishment. Capital Punishment Escalation Based on reports, there is an “death penalty surge in the country, which has achieved horrific proportions”. In the year 2023, officials executed at least over 850 people – a nearly half increase on 2022. In the prior period, data showed 972 capital punishments, constituting the maximum count since 2015. More than eight hundred people have been sentenced so far in the current year. Activists and opponents are targets, notably in the aftermath of the the year 2022 uprising. Specialists say the government have used the capital punishment to quell protest, create fear among the population and strengthen their grip on rule.