Athletes Urge Global Action to Prevent Execution of Iranian Boxing Champion
A coalition of Olympians and top athletes, including tennis legend Martina Navratilova and British swimmer Sharron Davies, has signed an urgent letter. The letter calls on the United Nations, international sports federations, and world governments to intervene to stop the execution of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a 31-year-old Iranian boxing champion and coach currently on death row.
The Case of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani- Arrest and Charges: Sani was arrested by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in March 2020. His detention followed his participation in nationwide protests in November 2019, which were sparked by a sudden rise in gasoline prices.
- Capital Offense: He has been formally charged with "corruption on earth," a capital offense under Iranian law.
The letter also draws attention to a disturbing pattern of state violence against athletes in Iran. It highlights the past executions of:
- Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old national wrestling champion, and Sasan Azadvar Joonaghan, a 21-year-old karate champion, who were both executed in March 2026.
- The signatories note that since mid-March 2026, Iran has executed dozens of political dissidents, many of whom were protesters arrested during the January 2026 uprising.
"Currently, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a 31-year-old boxing champion and coach, remains on death row. We call on the United Nations, international sports federations, and governments to act immediately to save the lives of Iranian dissidents, including athletes. The world must not stand by while Iran silences its champions."