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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed the recent execution of wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi, 19, by the Iranian regime.
After several Olympic athletes, including three gold medalists, condemned the execution on Pak Gazette Digital, the IOC has made a statement on the matter.
“Unfortunately, today’s world is divided and full of conflict and tragedies. The IOC cares deeply about the situation of athletes around the world and is concerned whenever it learns of individual cases of mistreatment. However, it is very difficult to comment on situations of people during a conflict or unrest in a country, without the IOC being able to verify the often contradictory information,” the IOC said in a statement to Pak Gazette Digital.
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“At this time, we are particularly concerned about the situation of Iranian athletes affected by the events unfolding in their country, as we are with all athletes facing conflict and tragedies in other parts of the world. Unfortunately, these situations come to our attention more frequently due to the increasingly divided world in which we live.”
The IOC reiterated that it does not have the power to dictate the decisions of a sovereign nation.
“The IOC, as a non-governmental civil organization, has neither the mandate nor the ability to change the laws or political system of a sovereign country. This is the legitimate role of governments and respective intergovernmental organizations. The IOC is a sports organization whose mandate and success is based on uniting the world in peaceful competition. We have to be realistic about the IOC’s ability to directly influence global and national affairs,” the statement continued.
“At the same time, we will continue to work with our Olympic stakeholders to help where we can, often through quiet sports diplomacy. The IOC remains in contact with Iran’s Olympic community.”
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According to reports from human rights activists and Iranian-American dissidents, Mohammadi was killed in a public hanging on Thursday.
Iran International reported that Iran’s regime hanged Mohammadi and two other Iranian men, Mehdi Ghasemiand and Saeed Davoudi, “after being accused of killing two police officers during nationwide protests earlier this year,” the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported.
Mohammadi previously told the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that his dream was to be an Olympic champion.
President Donald Trump condemned the regime for the executions while speaking to reporters this week.
“These are bullies and animals and horrible people,” Trump said of the regime. “I’m not surprised they executed three young people for protesting.”
Mohammadi won a bronze medal in September 2024 for Iran’s national wrestling at the Saytiyev International Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Among the Olympic athletes who spoke out against the execution were American gold medalists wrestler Brandon Slay, swimmer Tyler Clary and bobsledder Kaillie Humphries.
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Wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi faces imminent execution in Iran for taking part in a protest as international pressure mounts to save the athlete. (The Foreign Office)
“My prayers are with Saleh Mohammadi’s family and all who suffer. In the face of such oppression, I cling to the hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only light that conquers the darkness and the only truth that proclaims justice and mercy will one day prevail,” Slay said.
Clary added: “President Trump has been clear about the nature of this regime and the need to confront it, and moments like this demonstrate why that approach is necessary.”
