Iranian judicial authorities executed 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi along with Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi on November 7, 2024, after convicting them of killing two Basij security agents during nationwide protests in 2022.[1][2]
The executions were carried out by hanging, as reported by Mizan news agency, affiliated with Iran's judiciary. The protests followed the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody in September 2022, sparking widespread demonstrations.[1][3]
Mohammadi was described by dissident media as a promising young wrestler.[2] Wrestling is Iran's most successful Olympic sport, with the country winning multiple medals in freestyle and Greco-Roman events at recent Games.[4]
Several U.S. Olympians expressed condolences and criticism of the Iranian government in statements to Fox News Digital on November 7, 2024.
Brandon Slay, U.S. gold medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, said: "As someone who has traveled to Iran for wrestling twice and welcomed Iranian athletes into our country, I’ve seen firsthand the dignity and heart of the Iranian people. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to witness a terror regime execute a teenage wrestler."[5]
Tyler Clary, U.S. gold medalist in the 200m backstroke at the 2012 London Olympics, stated: "As an Olympic gold medalist, I’ve spent my life around athletes who represent the very best of human discipline and freedom. What we’re seeing in Iran — the execution of a wrestler after what appears to be a sham process — is a brutal reminder of what that regime stands for."[5]
Former Iranian wrestler Sardar Pashaei told Fox News Digital: "Iranian sport is no longer in the hands of athletes. It is controlled by the Revolutionary Guards, the same forces that suppress women, intimidate athletes abroad and threaten their families."[5]
Sources
- Mizan Online (Iran Judiciary)
Three criminals executed for murder of Basij members
7 November 2024
https://www.mizanonline.ir/fa/news/4792847 - Iran International
Iran hangs three men accused of killing security agents in 2022 protests
7 November 2024
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202411072394 - Reuters
Explainer: Iran's crackdown on Mahsa Amini protests
Accessed 7 November 2024
https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-crackdown-mahsa-amini-protests-2022-09-26/ - United World Wrestling (official)
Iran Olympic wrestling medals
Accessed 7 November 2024
https://uww.org - Fox News Digital
Olympians react to execution of Iranian wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi
7 November 2024
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympians-react-execution-iranian-wrestling-star-saleh-mohammadi
