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Iranian Boxer Faces Execution Amid Activist Crackdown

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

Iranian boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei-Sani faces imminent execution after his retrial request was denied.
He was sentenced to death for alleged membership in the banned People’s Mujahedin organization linked to 2019 protests.
The World Boxing Council and athlete Martina Navratilova have urged sparing his life, arguing the case threatens athletes who speak out.
Activists report a crackdown by Iranian authorities, noting over 1,426 executions this year and prompting WBC condemnation.

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Story summary

Iranian boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei-Sani faces imminent execution after his retrial request was denied.
He was sentenced to death for alleged membership in the banned People’s Mujahedin organization linked to 2019 protests.
The World Boxing Council and athlete Martina Navratilova have urged sparing his life, arguing the case threatens athletes who speak out.
Activists report a crackdown by Iranian authorities, noting over 1,426 executions this year and prompting WBC condemnation.