Iran executes teenage wrestler over protests

● Human rights groups allege torture, unfair trial; first execution linked to nationwide protests

A tragic and shocking incident has unfolded as a teenage Iranian wrestler was publicly executed for participating in protests.

The British ‘BBC’ reported the decelopment on the 20th (Korean time) thus: “According to Iranian state media, three men prosecuted for killing police officers during anti-government protests in January were executed. Among them was the first teenager to face such a fate.”

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According to ‘Tasnim News Agency,’ a semi-official media outlet linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iranian authorities publicly hanged Mehdi Ghasemi, Saleh Mohammadi, and Said Daboudi in the city of Borujerd on Thursday morning local time.

The media explained that the three were convicted of killing two police officers during an attack in the Borujerd region.

Additionally, they were reportedly charged with ‘moharebeh,’ a crime meaning ‘enmity against God,’ often used by Iran to impose death sentences on protesters or regime opponents.

Mohammadi was a member of Iran’s national wrestling team. He won a bronze medal at the 2024 Saitiev Cup in Russia as part of the Iranian delegation but died at the age of 19. He had turned 19 just a week before his execution.

News of Mohammadi’s execution has shocked the world. Human rights groups claim the three executed individuals were tortured into confessing and faced no fair trial. ‘Amnesty International’ noted that Mohammadi was denied ‘sufficient legal representation’ and was convicted through an expedited process that could not be considered a proper trial.

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This execution marks the first death penalty case related to nationwide protests that began in December last year and intensified in January. The BBC explained, “The protests were triggered by anger over the collapse of Iran’s currency and soaring living costs, spreading to over 180 cities across 31 provinces.

“They later expanded into demands for political change, becoming one of the most serious challenges to the theocratic regime since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.”

At least 7,000 people, including over 200 children, are reported to have died during Iran’s violent crackdown. However, Iranian authorities claim around 3,000 fatalities, asserting that many were security forces or civilians killed by ‘rioters,’ a claim that has drawn widespread criticism.

The sports community has also mourned and protested. U.S. ‘Fox Sports’ reported, “Olympic athletes have condemned the public execution of Iran’s champion wrestler. Mohammadi was only 19 years old,” highlighting reactions from several Olympians.

Bobsledder Kelsey Humphries stated, “The Iranian regime’s actions are utterly disgusting. Killing a teenager for merely raising their voice is unacceptable, especially when the victim was a national representative.” She added, “This is a deeply sad day for sports.”

Iranian wrestler Sardar Pashaei fiercely criticized, “This incident is just a glimpse of the regime’s brutality. They kill their own people and now publicly execute teenage athletes. Iranian sports no longer belong to athletes; they are controlled by the Revolutionary Guard, who oppress women, threaten athletes abroad, and intimidate families.”

He urged global action, saying, “There are still people in danger, and there is time to save them. The world must act now. Saleh’s only ‘crime’ was protesting. He took to the streets for freedom.”