Olympians condemn Iran after wrestler Saleh Mohammadi executed at 19
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The execution of Iranian wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi left the sports world in mourning on Thursday.
The Iranian regime executed the 19-year-old man on Thursday. Muhammadi was reportedly killed by hanging in a public place, according to Iranian American human rights activists and dissidents.
Iran International reported that the Iranian regime hanged Mohammadi and two other Iranian men, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Davoudi, “after they were accused of killing two police officers during nationwide protests earlier this year,” the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported.
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Many Olympic athletes shared their reactions to the execution with Fox News Digital.
Brandon Slay, Olympic gold medalist wrestler at Sydney 2000
Brandon Slay of the USA during the Men’s 76 Kg Greco-Roman Wrestling semi-final at the Exhibition Halls on day 14 of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. (Ross Kinnaird/Allsport)
“As someone who has been to Iran twice to wrestle and welcomed Iranian athletes into our country, I have seen firsthand the honor and heart of the Iranian people. That’s why it’s so heartbreaking to witness a terrorist regime execute a young wrestler,” Slay told Fox News Digital.
“My prayers are with the family of Salih Muhammadi and all those who are suffering. In the face of such oppression, I carry the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only light that defeats the darkness and the only truth that declares that one day justice and mercy will prevail.”
Tyler Clary, US gold medal swimmer at London 2012
American swimmer Tyler Clary celebrates winning the gold medal in the men’s 200-meter backstroke final at the London 2012 Olympic Games in London on August 2, 2012. (CHRISTOPHE SIMON / AFP)
“As an Olympic gold medalist, I have spent my life around athletes who represent the best example of human discipline and freedom. What we saw in Iran — the execution of a wrestler after what appeared to be a sham process — is a brutal reminder of what this regime stands for. That’s exactly why strong leadership is important,” Clary told Fox News Digital.
“President Trump has been clear about the nature of this regime and the need to confront it, and moments like this prove why that approach is necessary.”
Eli Bremer, US modern pentathlete at Beijing 2008
Eli Bremer of the United States celebrates the Men’s Modern Pentathlon Fencing Epee One Touch race at the Fencing Hall on Day 13 of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China on August 21, 2008. (Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Bremmer said, “I am disgusted by the Iranian regime’s actions today. The murder of an iconic young athlete shows how deeply immoral Iran’s leadership is. President Trump did and continues to do the right thing to ensure the destruction of this regime. A regime that is willing to kill a young athlete is a regime that is willing to kill Americans when given the opportunity.” he said.
“I will continue to support President Trump in taking the lead in disarming Iran and ensuring that the monsters who rule the country can never again commit these atrocities against their own citizens, Americans, or our allies.”
Katie Uhlaender, American skeleton athlete, six-time Olympic champion
Team USA’s Katie Uhlaender poses for a portrait during Team USA Beijing 2022 Olympic filming on September 12, 2021 in Irvine, California. (Tom Pennington/Getty Images for Team USA)
“My heart breaks for this athlete and his family. What made this even more devastating was that there were clear and immediate calls for action,” Uhlaender told Fox News Digital.
“These athletes did nothing wrong. They represented their sport and their country and instead of being protected, they were exposed to a system that failed to act when it mattered most…
“The United States is uniquely positioned to lead on this issue. Through sports diplomacy and international engagement, we have the ability to set a higher standard where athlete safety is unquestioned, warnings are heeded, and governing bodies are held accountable for protection failures. Sports can serve as a symbol of integrity and unity. Action, not silence, must define our response moving forward.”
MINISTRY OF STATE REQUESTED IRAN TO STOP THE EXECUTION OF A 19-YEAR-OLD WRESTLING STAR
AJ Edelman, Israeli bobsled and skeleton athlete, two-time Olympian
Israel’s Adam Edelman removes his helmet after training for the men’s skeleton during the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang at the Olympic Skating Center on February 14, 2018. (OHD RASFAN/AFP via Getty Images)
“He was hanged because he dreamed of an Iran free from the attacks of a regime led by an impotent Nepo-baby whose father thought he was too incompetent to even run a lemonade stand. His sacrifice is proof that such a trial is just,” Edelman told Fox News Digital.
Serdar Pashaei, Iranian youth world champion wrestler (non-Olympian)
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Pashaei said, “This is just a glimpse of the brutality of the regime. A regime that killed its own people and now publicly executed a young athlete… For nearly 50 years, some politicians have been trying to soften this regime. They still do not understand. We understand. We lived under it. We bear its traces.”
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“Iranian sports is no longer in the hands of athletes. It is controlled by the Revolutionary Guards; the same forces that oppress women, intimidate athletes abroad, and threaten their families. Others are still at risk, and there is still time to save them. The world must act now. Saleh’s only ‘crime’ was protesting. He took to the streets for freedom; for a future where protests are not crimes, there are no executions, and people are not held hostage by their own governments.”
Fox News Digital’s Benjamin Weinthal contributed to this report.
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