The international sports community mourns a devastating loss today. The Iranian regime publicly executed 19-year-old wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi on Thursday.
Human rights activists and dissidents immediately condemned the execution. Reports indicate the regime killed the teenage athlete in a public hanging following what activists call a sham trial.
The Context of the Execution
According to international reports, Iranian authorities accused Mohammadi and two other men (Mehdi Ghasemiand and Saeed Davoudi) of killing two police officers during recent nationwide protests.
However, activists and former Iranian athletes argue that Saleh’s only true “crime” was protesting for basic freedoms.
Olympic Athletes Speak Out
Several high-profile Olympic athletes spoke with the media this week to express their absolute disgust and demand international accountability.
Here is how the sports world is reacting to the tragedy:
- Brandon Slay (U.S. Wrestling, 2000 Gold): Slay expressed severe heartbreak over the terror regime executing a teenager. He offered deep prayers for Mohammadi’s grieving family.
- Kaillie Humphries (U.S./Canada Bobsled, 3-time Gold): Humphries called the actions “abhorrent.” She highlighted the stark contrast in basic freedoms between the United States and Iran, noting that American athletes do not have to fear for their lives when speaking out.
- Katie Uhlaender (U.S. Skeleton, 5-time Olympian): Uhlaender demanded action over silence. She urged international sports governing bodies to protect athletes and hold abusive regimes completely accountable for their failures.
- Tyler Clary & Eli Bremer (U.S. Olympians): Both athletes praised strong American leadership against the Iranian regime. They specifically backed President Trump’s approach to disarming and standing up to the dictatorship.
- Sardar Pashaei (Former Iranian Wrestling Champion): Pashaei warned the world that the Revolutionary Guards still completely control Iranian sports. He pleaded for global intervention, stating, “Others are still at risk, and there is still time to save them.”
The horrific execution of Saleh Mohammadi serves as a brutal reminder of the ongoing human rights crisis within the country.
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