Iranian authorities executed 19-year-old Saleh Mohammadi from Urmia on October 31, 2024, along with Mehdi Ghasemi, 28, and Saeed Davoudi, 27. The three men were convicted of killing two Basij members during nationwide protests on September 21, 2022, in Urmia, according to Iran's judiciary.[1][2]
Mohammadi was a national youth wrestling champion in Iran. The executions took place at Urmia Central Prison, Iran's judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported.[1][3]
The protests followed the death of Mahsa Amini in custody in September 2022, sparking demonstrations across Iran known as the Woman, Life, Freedom movement.[2][4]
Sardar Pashaei, a former Iranian wrestler, condemned the execution, stating Iranian sports is controlled by the Revolutionary Guards and calling for action to protect other athletes.[5]
Several U.S. Olympians expressed outrage. Brandon Slay, 2000 Greco-Roman wrestling gold medalist, described it as heartbreaking under a terror regime. Swimmer Tyler Clary, 2012 gold medalist, called it a sham process.[5]
Fencer Eli Bremer, skeleton racer Adam Edelman, skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender and others also reacted, highlighting contrasts in athlete freedoms and calling for justice.[5]
Sources
- Reuters
Iran hangs three men convicted of killing police during protests
31 October 2024
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-hangs-three-men-convicted-killing-police-during-protests-state-media-2024-10-31/ - Iran Human Rights
Iran executes 3 prisoners in Urmia & Arak
31 October 2024
https://iranhr.net/en/articles/7003/ - Hengaw Organization for Human Rights
Iran Hangs 19-Year-Old Wrestler Saleh Mohammadi and Two Others
31 October 2024
https://hengaw.net/en/news/2024/10/article-137 - BBC News
Mahsa Amini: Iran sentences three men to death over protest killings
31 October 2024
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy7j0z4yrzo - Fox News Digital
Olympians react to execution of Iranian wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi
31 October 2024
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympians-react-execution-iranian-wrestling-star-saleh-mohammadi
