Iran's judiciary hanged three men on October 31, 2024, including Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old wrestler from Kerman province, for their conviction in the killing of two Basij paramilitary members during the 2022 "Woman, Life, Freedom" protests.[1][2]
Mohammadi was executed alongside Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi following a court ruling, according to Mizan news agency, which is affiliated with Iran's judiciary. The case stemmed from violence during nationwide demonstrations that began after the death of Mahsa Amini, a 22-year-old Kurdish Iranian woman, in morality police custody on September 16, 2022.[2][3]
Saleh Mohammadi was described as a wrestler by reports from Iran International. Iran's wrestling program has a strong history, producing multiple Olympic medalists, though no specific achievements for Mohammadi beyond provincial level were detailed in official records.[1]
Several U.S. Olympians expressed dismay at the execution in statements to Fox News Digital. Brandon Slay, who won gold in the men's 76kg Greco-Roman wrestling at the Sydney 2000 Olympics, said he had witnessed the "dignity and heart of the Iranian people" through wrestling exchanges.[4]
Tyler Clary, Olympic gold medalist in the 200m backstroke at London 2012, called it a "brutal reminder" of the Iranian regime's nature. Other athletes, including fencer Eli Bremer (Beijing 2008), skeleton racer Katie Uhlaender and Adam Edelman, and former Iranian wrestler Sardar Pashaei, also condemned the execution.[4]
Sources
- Iran International
Article title: Iran executes three men accused of killing security forces during ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ uprising
Publication date: October 31, 2024
Direct URL: https://www.iranintl.com/en/202410310964 - Mizan News Agency
Article title: سه محکوم به قصاص نفس به اتهام قتل دو عضو بسیج به دار آویخته شدند
Publication date: October 31, 2024
Direct URL: https://www.mizanonline.ir/fa/news/4840159 - BBC News
Article title: Who was Mahsa Amini and why is she important?
Accessed date: November 1, 2024
Direct URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62957307 - Fox News Digital
Article title: Olympians react to 'heartbreaking' execution of Iranian wrestling champ amid protest crackdown
Publication date: October 31, 2024
Direct URL: https://www.foxnews.com/sports/olympians-react-heartbreaking-execution-iranian-wrestling-champ
