Iranian authorities execute three men convicted of killing police during protests
Iran's judiciary executed three men on Thursday, including 19-year-old Saleh Mohammadi, who has been described as a wrestler, for their alleged role in killing two police officers during nationwide protests earlier in the year, according to the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency.[1][2]
The executions were carried out by public hanging, as reported by Iran International.[2]
Sardar Pashaei, a former Iranian wrestler, condemned the execution, stating that Iranian sports are controlled by the Revolutionary Guards and calling for international action to protect other athletes at risk.[3]
Several U.S. Olympians expressed condolences and concern over the reports. Brandon Slay, gold medalist in men's 76kg Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, described the event as heartbreaking after having traveled to Iran for wrestling exchanges.[4][5]
Tyler Clary, gold medalist in the men's 200m backstroke at the 2012 London Olympics, called it a reminder of the regime's nature.[4][6]
Other athletes, including fencer Eli Bremer (Beijing 2008), skeleton athlete Katie Uhlaender, and Israeli skeleton athlete Adam Edelman (Pyeongchang 2018), shared similar sentiments on athlete safety and human rights.[4]
Sources
- Mizan News Agency
Judiciary report on executions (reported context)
Accessed 2024
https://www.mizanonline.ir/ - Iran International
"Iran Hangs Three Men Accused of Killing Police in Protests"
Recent Thursday publication
https://www.iranintl.com/en - Fox News Digital
Sardar Pashaei comments on Iranian sports and regime
Recent publication
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - Fox News Digital
U.S. Olympians react to reported execution
Recent publication
https://www.foxnews.com/sports - Olympics.com
Brandon Slay profile, Sydney 2000 Greco-Roman 76kg gold
Accessed 2024
https://olympics.com/en/athletes/brandon-slay - Olympics.com
Tyler Clary profile, London 2012 200m backstroke gold
Accessed 2024
https://olympics.com/en/athletes/tyler-clary
