In reply to UKC News:
A letter from supporters below. Sharing the news and sending this letter to people/organisations in positions of influence seems to be our best bet. Five German politicians have offered them political sponsorship, but this does not guarantee their release/safety.
'We are reaching out to you, at these trying times in Iran, seeking your support to prevent the execution of innocent protestors; in particular sports persons targeted by the Iranian regime. A statement that supports the following climbers and athletes would provide international support and immunity from harsh sentences for them.
As you might be aware, there are currently 5 Iranian athletes at imminent risk of execution and we urge any and all voices of support - especially yours.
Ever since the tragic death of Mahsa Amini, the Iranian regime is callously silencing anyone standing up for their rights, either by shedding their blood on the streets or by issuing death penalty sentences to the detainees; all to instill fear in others who are part of the protests.
After arbitrarily executing (an estimated) 78 protestors within the past few weeks, there are currently 28 others who are awaiting similar fates, after forced confessions under harrowing acts of torture, 5 of whom are the following athletes:
- Dena Sheibani and Amir Arsalan Mahdavi, snowboard instructors.
- Hesam Mousavi, bouldering coach, coach of an IFSC Paraclimbing World Cup champion and pro climber
- Mohammed Khiveh, climbing coach.
- Eshraq Najafabadi, cycling coach.
The Iranian regime has released videos of forced confessions of these people, putting them under pressure to claim they were part of a foiled plot to plant a bomb in Shiraz.
Their friends and family are speaking up against these sham trials and forced confessions, warning everyone of these tactics used by the Iranian regime to silence the voice of anyone who sides with protestors.
All these athletes have been denied of their right to legal counsel and fair trial, and have been subjected to severe physical and mental torture.
This is not the first time the Iranian regime has used forced confessions under pressure to execute athletes. Navid Afkari, the world champion wrestler, was also a victim of such sham trials in 2018 - in the same city as these athletes, Shiraz - and he was ruthlessly executed. He was a sporting hero, a national champion, and his life was taken in favour of the regime's agenda of oppression.
This needs to stop NOW, before more lives perish in this vile theatre of the Iranian regime.
We ask you to stand with the athletes and be their voice, whilst they have none.
The louder the international community is, the harder it will be for the Iranian regime to get away with these acts of arbitration with impunity to take more innocent lives.
If you speak up, you won't risk anything, yet you could help to save a life.
Your voice matters.
Time is of the essence and these individuals need urgent action. Please join us, share their story and this message, and lend them your support.
Thank you for any help you can offer.'
Post edited at 15:18