On March 19, the Islamic regime in Iran executed Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old champion wrestler, along with Saeed Davudi (21) and Mehdi Ghassemi, just before the Iranian New Year Nowruz. The three young men were convicted of killing two police officers, inciting violence by joining protesters, and waging war against God. Their execution took place publicly in Qom, a city known as the hub of Shi’a doctrines of morality and piety [1].
The timing of the executions coincided with the aftermath of what was described as the worst massacre in Iran’s modern history this past January, with the death toll still rising. Several other athletes, including soccer player Mohammad Hossein Hosseini, water polo goalkeeper Ali Pishevarzadeh, marathon runner Niloufar Pas, kickboxing champion Benjamin Naghdi, teenage soccer player Abolfazl Dokht, and boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, are reportedly detained in solitary confinement and at risk of execution. At least 20 others are also reportedly in similar danger [1].
The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has warned of a "catastrophic human rights crisis" and denounced the swift trials as "sham trials based on torture and forced confessions" [1]. The article notes that condemnation of the regime's actions has largely fallen along party lines in the United States, with Republicans criticizing the Iranian leadership and Democrats and the liberal media showing less willingness to intervene [1].
This is not the first instance of the Iranian regime executing athletes; Navid Afkari, another star wrestler, was hanged in September 2020 despite international campaigns for his release [1].
CONCLUSION
The execution of Saleh Mohammadi and two other young men highlights escalating human rights concerns in Iran, particularly regarding the treatment of athletes and protesters. The international community, including human rights organizations, has warned of a worsening crisis, but political divisions have limited unified condemnation. The event underscores ongoing risks for detained athletes and signals potential instability in Iran’s social and political landscape.