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U.S. Urges Iran to Halt Reported Imminent Execution of 19-Year-Old Wrestler

Activists are pressing Olympic bodies to penalize Iran despite the IOC’s claim of limited leverage.

Overview

  • The State Department posted in Farsi on Jan. 29 calling on Tehran to stop the execution of Saleh Mohammadi and others sentenced for exercising fundamental rights.
  • Mohammadi, 19, was arrested around Jan. 15 after protests and is reported to face execution on severe charges that activists describe as fabricated.
  • Sardar Pashaei’s group Hiwa says it has documented arrests and killings of athletes and is preparing a letter urging the IOC and United World Wrestling to suspend Iran.
  • The IOC says it is concerned about Iranian athletes but notes it cannot directly influence governments and is continuing quiet sports diplomacy.
  • Reports highlight a broader crackdown on sports figures, including the arrest and reported torture of Olympic wrestler Alireza Nejati and accounts of athletes killed in recent unrest.