State Department Calls for Repeal of Execution for Iranian Wrestler
The U.S. State Department urged the Iranian government on Wednesday to cancel the death sentence of 19-year-old Saleh Mohammadi. This appeal follows Iran’s decision to move forward with executing a well-regarded wrestler simply for participating in peaceful protests against the regime earlier in January.
Wrestling holds significant cultural importance in Iran, and it’s a sport that President Donald Trump has shown interest in, especially when he attempted to save the life of Iranian Greco-Roman wrestler Navid Afkari in 2020. Afkari, unfortunately, was executed in 2018 after being accused of involvement in protests addressing the regime’s economic and political issues.
The State Department’s statement criticized Iran’s leadership, highlighting the regime’s actions as detrimental to the younger generation and the future of the country. They reiterated their demand to put a stop to Mohammadi’s execution and any similar sentences imposed for simply exercising basic rights.
This statement coincides with calls from activists who are urging the International Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling to intervene and support the wrestlers facing oppression in Iran.
Sardar Pashaei, an Iranian-American wrestling champion and coach, expressed concerns about the current situation. He mentioned that within a short span, over 30 athletes had been killed by security forces, the youngest being just 15 years old. Among the deceased were young competitors, national champions, coaches, and referees. It’s alarming to think that such violence affects those who dedicate their lives to sport.
Pashaei’s organization, Hiwa, tracks confirmed cases of athletes who have suffered from the regime’s brutality. He indicated that there are many more individuals still unaccounted for, with families searching for justice and answers regarding their loved ones. He acknowledged the State Department’s initiative to publicly advocate for Mohammadi.
Pashaei further criticized regimes that treat their athletes with such cruelty, asserting that they shouldn’t compete in international sports arenas. Hiwa plans to reach out to the International Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling to push for Iran’s suspension from international events.
In a related incident, Iranian authorities detained Alireza Nejati, an Olympic wrestler and world champion, after he shared a message on social media. Reports indicate that he was subjected to imprisonment and torture.
Nejati had sent a hopeful message to his followers, wishing them success and positivity, which now feels deeply poignant given his current situation.
Saleh Mohammadi is facing imminent execution for what many perceive as his only mistake: standing in solidarity with fellow citizens. This severe consequence appears aimed at instilling fear throughout the nation, highlighting the regime’s harsh treatment of dissent. Lisa Daftari, a noted authority on Iranian affairs, described Mohammadi’s case as a warning to young people seeking change.
Daftari emphasized that by threatening youth, including artists and intellectuals, the regime shows its view of the Iranian populace—not as providers of hope for the future, but as threats that need to be silenced.
As the situation unfolds, it raises the question of whether the international community will respond effectively, leaving many wondering how much support exists for the protesters and their cause.
