The WBC has emphatically joined the international sporting community, including prominent Olympic athletes and medalists, in condemning the death sentence imposed on the Iranian boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. Following a letter signed by more than 20 Olympic medalists, including legends like Martina Navratilova and Sharron Davies, the WBC expresses its deep concern over the use of capital punishment in Iran against athletes who have spoken out against that country's government. Mauricio Sulaimán Saldívar, president of the WBC, stated: “Boxing is a discipline that inspires courage, respect, and the pursuit of self-improvement, not a reason for political punishment. The execution of a boxer, of a champion, for expressing his ideas is a direct attack on the fundamental values of sport and human dignity. From the WBC, we call on the Iranian authorities to reconsider and annul the death sentence against Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.”

 

Case Details 

 

Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, 30, was arrested after participating in nationwide protests in 2019. He has remained in prison for five years, where he has reportedly been subjected to torture and solitary confinement. His trial has been described as “grossly unfair” by human rights organizations. This is not an isolated case, as seen in the recent execution of wrestling champion Navid Afkari in 2020.

 

The WBC makes an urgent appeal to the United Nations, the International Olympic Committee, and all international sports federations and governments worldwide to exert their influence and act immediately to save the boxer’s life.

 

Help stop Mohammad’s execution: sign the petition at: https://secure.avaaz.org/campaign/en/stop_iran_execution_loc/