Iran executed wrestling champion Naveed Afkari on Saturday, ignoring international calls for a pardon. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo condemned Iran’s “brutal act” on Saturday.
Afkari, 27, who was convicted of murder and sentenced to death for allegedly killing a water company security guard during anti-government demonstrations in 2018, was executed Saturday morning.
Afkari’s family had said that he was tortured into confessing to the crime, and lawyers representing him argued that there was no evidence of his client’s guilt, adding that authorities refused to allow family members to visit Afkari before the execution.
Afkari’s case attracted international attention, with IOC President Bach describing his execution as “very unfortunate and sad news”.
U.S. President Trump had pleaded for leniency for Afkali, describing his only act as participating in anti-government demonstrations in the streets.
The World Athletes Association, which represents 85,000 athletes worldwide, said earlier that Iran should be expelled from world sports if it insists on the execution.
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