Former Wrestling Titleholder ‘Navid Afkari‘ Killed by Iran
After being condemned of manslaughter allegations in a court case extensively disparaged inside and outside the nation as riddled with misdeeds, a former Iranian wrestling champion caught up in anti-government rallies was put to death Saturday.
27-Year-Old Hanged in The Much-Criticized Trial Despite Trump Involvement
Despite intercontinental calls that Iran terminates the execution or face penalties, the early morning death by hanging of the 27-year-old Navid Afkari took place. among those calling for him to be spared were the US officials involving President Donald Trump and Amnesty International.
On 3rd September, Mr. Trump tweeted, ‘To the chiefs of Iran, I would deeply be grateful for if you would forgive this young man’s life, and not execute him. Thank you!’
The killing was verified by an Iranian law lord’s representative and a family lawyer who was quoted in Iranian and international news channels.
Afkari, a former nationwide champion of Greco-Roman wrestling, was accused of killing a man labeled as an intelligence officer during August 2018 anti-government demonstrations in the city of Shiraz.
With restricted defense access to guidance and little clarity, he was tried by both Iran’s ideologically hardline Revolutionary Court and an ordinary criminal court in proceedings described as utterly dishonest and incomprehensible.
He was condemned of murder and behaving against God and handed two death sentences, which were defended by Iran’s supreme court of law.
Afkari’s two brothers were given prison sentences adding 81 years and 74 lashes each for the same murder, who were previously allegedly imprisoned and forced to be a witness against him.
With the 85,000-participant World Players Association condemning Iran of using him as a ragdoll in their national governmental controls, his case has fascinated worldwide attention, also challenging that Iran’s participation in the Olympics, world wrestling, and international football be re-evaluated should the death take place.
Afkari Has Been Unfairly Targeted, Says Athletes’ Union:
On 8th September, the athletes’ union said in a statement, ‘He has been unreasonably aimed by the Iranian agencies who want to create an illustration out of a popular, high-profile athlete and frighten others who may possibly dare practice their human right to take part in a peaceful rally.’
Last week, national television broadcasted a video that labeled Afkari’s alleged confession to the murder, even as his campaigners contended, he was pushed to make implicating declarations under cruelty and in secluded captivity.
Amnesty stated in a report, ‘The Iranian agencies have a long-standing history of operating with state television to fabricate and broadcast bullied declarations acquired from victims of human rights abuses under torture and other ill-treatment.’
On 6th September, Afkari made a brief phone call to his family when he informed them that he was being kept under severe restrictions in a wing of a notorious prison in the southern city of Shiraz, according to Amnesty International.
Corresponding to a high court representative quoted by the hardline Tasnim news agency, the execution went ahead in agreement with the principles of Islamic jurisprudence after the blood relatives of the murder victim declined to offer forgiveness.
