Athletes Advocate Against Iran's Execution of Star Athletes

A coalition of athletes, including several Olympians, has signed a letter opposing Iran's history and plans to execute prominent athletes, particularly in light of the impending execution of Iranian boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. Sani, who is also a coach and political prisoner, faces execution in Iran following his arrest by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in March 2020 after participating in protests against a gas price hike. The Iranian judiciary charged him with 'corruption on earth,' a capital offense. The letter, endorsed by notable athletes such as Martina Navratilova and Sharron Davies, urges international bodies and governments to intervene to prevent the execution. It emphasizes the need for immediate action to protect Iranian dissidents, including athletes. The letter highlights Iran's history of executing athletes for their beliefs and mentions other cases, including that of Saleh Mohammadi, a champion wrestler executed earlier this year. The coalition consists of 24 athletes, including nine Olympians and five Iranians.