Iran hangs 19-year-old wrestler in public as crackdown turns deadly

Iran has executed 19-year-old wrestler Saleh Mohammadi along with two other protesters in a public hanging in Qom, in what activists describe as a stark escalation of the state’s crackdown on dissent.

Mohammadi, considered a rising talent in the sport, was put to death on March 19 alongside Saeed Davodi and Mehdi Ghasemi. Authorities had accused the trio of involvement in the killing of two policemen during protests on January 8, 2026.

State media said the executions were carried out “in the presence of a group of people,” marking the first known public hangings linked to the wave of nationwide unrest that erupted in late December 2025 and continued into January.

Rights groups say the case reflects a deeply troubling pattern. The Iran Human Rights warned the executions followed “grossly unfair trials,” alleging confessions were extracted under torture and coercion.

“These executions constitute extrajudicial killings intended to instil fear and suppress political dissent,” said Mahmood Amiry-Moghaddam, cautioning that more could follow. He described the risk of a broader campaign of mass executions as “real and imminent,” urging swift international intervention.

According to activists, Mohammadi was forced to confess to charges including “waging war against God,” a capital offence under Iranian law. Amnesty International said the accused were denied adequate legal defense and subjected to fast-tracked proceedings “bearing no resemblance to a meaningful trial.”

The execution has also triggered outrage within the sporting community. Iranian athlete and activist Nima Far called it a “blatant political murder,” accusing authorities of targeting athletes to intimidate society and crush dissent.

He drew parallels with the 2020 execution of Navid Afkari, which sparked global condemnation, and called for Iran’s suspension from international sporting events until it halts executions and releases detainees.

The hangings come after months of unrest that have seen thousands arrested across the country. Activists fear the use of capital punishment could intensify in the weeks ahead as authorities move to quell dissent.

Rights organizations have urged global powers, particularly the European Union, to deploy all diplomatic measures to prevent further executions and protect detainees.

“The Islamic Republic is fighting for its survival,” Amiry-Moghaddam said. “And it knows its greatest challenge comes from the Iranian people demanding fundamental change.”