Six Iranian Athletes Remain on Death Row After Climbers' Executions

At least six Iranian athletes are scheduled for execution after the country's supreme court upheld their death sentences, according to Human Rights for Sport. The Oslo-based organization, composed of former Iranian athletes, confirms that swimmer Ali Pishevarzadeh and footballer Ehsan Hosseinpour are among those facing the death penalty. Both were arrested during the January protests. The group also lists boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, mixed martial arts fighter Benyamin Naghdi, equestrian Taraneh Rahimi, and climber Maryam Siri as being under death sentences handed down this year.

This group follows the recent executions of three other athletes. Mountain climber Ali-Sina Mostafavi was hanged on October 14. He had been arrested in April, shortly after anti-government demonstrations began. Taekwondo athlete Siavash Jamshidi Kheirabadi was executed at the start of October. Mixed martial arts fighter Gholamreza Khani Shakarab was hanged in May. Human Rights for Sport states that six athletes in total have already been executed in cases linked to the January protests or prior political charges.

Dr. Zohreh Abdollahkhani of the group noted that the Iranian sporting community is under enormous pressure. She reported that external attention had temporarily halted one execution but expressed deep concern for all those currently sentenced. The organization argues that authorities target athletes to send a message to the wider public. State-run media often provides wide coverage of these high-profile deaths. Abdollahkhani pointed to the 2020 execution of wrestler Navid Afkari Sangari, stating he was a role model and famous within the community, and that his death served as a warning to the entire population.

Mostafavi's death sentence was confirmed by the supreme court at the end of September. He was accused of being an armed agent of the American-Zionist enemy and of opening fire on civilians in Azadi Square in Kerman on March 24. He also faced charges for participating in the January protests. Reports indicate he suffered physical violence during detention in Kerman before being moved to solitary confinement. His family was reportedly summoned to the prison hours before his execution.

Contacting athletes on death row has become increasingly difficult, according to Abdollahkhani. She explained that security services are also targeting relatives. In one specific case, a sister and brother-in-law were arrested, and the family's phone lines are under surveillance, making direct communication impossible.

The group reports that 217 Iranian athletes were killed by direct gunfire in January, with more than 100 others detained. Four members of the European parliament sent a letter to Fifa regarding athletes facing execution before the World Cup. Abdollahkhani said the organization received no reply to that letter. A spokesperson for Fifa stated the body is aware of the concerns and thanked stakeholders for their work in raising awareness.

Abdollahkhani also criticized the International Olympic Committee, citing staffing changes that have made it difficult to raise cases through its human rights and safeguarding structures. The IOC disputed this account, stating it has fully functioning human rights and safeguarding teams. The organization said it is deeply concerned about affected athletes but noted that, as a non-governmental body, it lacks the authority to change a sovereign country's laws or political system. It added that it remains in touch with the Olympic community of Iran.