Iran executes mountaineer amid fears for other athletes

The execution of Iranian mountaineer Ali Sina Mostafavi on October 14 has raised significant concerns regarding the fate of at least six other athletes facing capital punishment. According to reports, Mostafavi, who had previously climbed Himalayan peaks, was arrested in April following protests earlier this year and was accused of shooting civilians in Kerman and participating in unrest.

Human Rights for Sport indicates that at least six Iranian athletes have been executed in recent years in cases linked to political accusations or protests. Other athletes facing death sentences include former swimmer and water polo player Ali Pishourzadeh, footballer Ehsan Hossein Pour, and boxer Mohammad Javad Vafaei Thani, alongside individuals in martial arts, equestrianism, and mountaineering.

Specific cases include 19-year-old Ehsan Hossein Pour, whose lawyer claims arrest preceded the alleged incident involving a mosque, and 20-year-old equestrian Taraneh Rahimi. International sporting bodies are being called upon to intervene to protect these individuals.