The numbers
Saleh Mohammadi was executed by public hanging on March 19, 2026, at the age of 19, following accusations of killing two police officers during protests. His execution is part of a broader crackdown on dissent in Iran, where the regime has been increasingly targeting athletes and protesters.
Mohammadi was arrested during protests in January 2026, which saw a significant number of demonstrators killed—around 7,000 according to reports. He turned 19 in prison on March 11, just days before his execution. The Iranian judiciary sentenced him to death on February 4, 2026, in a trial that lacked due process and involved forced confessions.
The Iranian regime claimed that Mohammadi and others acted on behalf of Israel and the United States, a narrative often used to justify their actions against dissenters. Human rights organizations have condemned the execution as state-sanctioned murder, highlighting the regime’s ongoing pattern of targeting individuals who speak out against it.
Mohammadi was not just a protester; he was also a promising athlete, having won a bronze medal at the Saytiyev International Cup in September 2024. His execution has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, including calls for the International Olympic Committee and United World Wrestling to take a stand against Iran’s treatment of its athletes.
Nima Far, a human rights advocate, stated, “His execution was a blatant political murder, part of the Islamic Republic’s pattern of targeting athletes to crush dissent and terrorize society.” The Center for Human Rights in Iran echoed these sentiments, stating, “Executing these young protesters in public, after sham trials built on torture and forced confessions, is state-sanctioned murder designed to terrorize the population and send a clear message: any act of dissent will be met with death.”
Activists like Masih Alinejad have called for global solidarity with Iranian athletes, urging organizations to stand against the regime’s oppressive tactics. “I call on @GlobalAthleteHQ to stand with Iranian athletes who are being silenced, imprisoned, and executed simply for raising their voices,” she said.
As the international community watches closely, the situation in Iran remains tense. Observers expect further crackdowns on dissent as the regime seeks to maintain control amid growing unrest. Iran’s treatment of athletes and protesters continues to face scrutiny, with calls for a ban on the country from international competitions until it halts executions and releases those jailed under dubious circumstances. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full implications of Mohammadi’s execution on future protests and the regime’s policies.
