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Over two dozen Olympic champions, trainers and other world-class competitors have put their names to a statement urging a end to the capital punishment of a champion boxer and coach, who is sentenced to die in the country.

Escalating Global Anger

Amid growing worldwide anger over the country's expanding employment of capital punishment as a tool of oppression, the forcefully phrased appeal condemns the government's verdict to uphold the death sentence of the athlete.

The athlete, thirty, from the city in the northeastern region, was detained for taking part in nationwide protests in the year 2019 and indicted of supporting an dissident organization. He has passed half a decade in prison, where he has been mistreated and held in isolation.

“Athletics is meant to promote faith, togetherness, and courage,” the supporters stated. “The death penalty of a titleholder for his opinions is a blatant attack on these values and a caution to any competitor who dares to express dissent.

History of Putting to Death Sports Figures

The statement pointed out that the boxer's case was part of a pattern and highlighted the nation's past of executing competitors for their convictions, for example a national team leader, leader of the soccer squad, and a volleyball captain, skipper of the women's volleyball squad. In 2020, a wrestling champion, a 27-year national wrestling champion, was put to death.

Additional supporters to the letter comprise a yachting pioneer, who skippered the pioneering all-female crew in a round-the-world competition and was the first woman to receive a renowned nautical honor; the ex- skipper of the Australian football team a sports advocate; and a sports figure, who was in the national team for the global tournament.

Apprehension and Flawed Legal Process

The athlete was arrested in March 2020. The charges against him included “causing deterioration on Earth through arson and destruction of public property”. His ruling has been annulled multiple times but on October 4 it was maintained on the third occasion. His court case was condemned as “highly unjust” by human rights activists and groups.

Call to United Nations

The urging to prevent the boxer's execution follows a earlier letter to the United Nations official for human rights, signed by more than 100 advocates and organizations, urging measures to prevent the sports figure's capital punishment.

Capital Punishment Escalation

As per reports, there is an “death penalty surge in Iran, which has achieved horrific levels”. In 2023, authorities executed at least eight hundred fifty-three people – a 48% surge on 2022. Last year, data showed 972 capital punishments, constituting the maximum count since 2015. Over hundreds of people have been put to death so far in 2025.

Dissidents and dissidents are victims, especially in the aftermath of the 2022 protests. Analysts say the Iranian authorities have utilized the death penalty to suppress opposition, generate apprehension among the public and tighten their control on rule.