Concerns intensify for Iranian athletes at risk of execution after Ali-Sina Mostafavi, a mountaineer, was executed on 14 October. Mostafavi, known for documenting his climbs of major peaks like Mount Everest, was arrested in April amid anti-government protests. His execution follows that of Siavash Jamshidi Kheirabadi, a taekwondo athlete, earlier in October, and Gholamreza Khani Shakarab, a mixed martial arts fighter, who was hanged in May.

Human Rights for Sport, a group of former Iranian athletes based in Oslo, warns that at least six more athletes are facing execution after their sentences were upheld by Iran’s supreme court. Notable names include:

• Ali Pishevarzadeh, swimmer
• Ehsan Hosseinpour, footballer
• Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, boxer
• Benyamin Naghdi, MMA fighter
• Taraneh Rahimi, equestrian athlete
• Maryam Siri, climber

Dr. Zohreh Abdollahkhani from Human Rights for Sport expressed grave concerns, stating, "The Iranian sporting community is under enormous pressure." She noted that while some cases received temporary attention, the overall situation remains dire. The group believes that targeting athletes serves as a warning to the broader population, as highlighted by the execution of Navid Afkari Sangari, a prominent wrestler, in September 2020.

Mostafavi's death sentence was upheld in late September, and he faced allegations of violence against civilians during protests. His family reportedly received a summons just hours before his execution, further complicating communication for those at risk, as many families are under surveillance by security forces.

In January alone, 217 Iranian athletes were killed by gunfire, with over 100 others detained. Concerns have been raised with FIFA regarding the plight of these athletes, yet responses have been lacking. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has also faced criticism for its inability to effectively advocate for these athletes, despite asserting its commitment to ensuring a safe sporting environment. Abdollahkhani urges for more robust international intervention to address these human rights violations.