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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed the Iranian regime’s recent execution of 19-year-old wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi.
After several Olympians, including three gold medalists, condemned the execution to Pakinomist Digital, the IOC has now issued a statement on the matter.
“Unfortunately, today’s world is divided and full of conflict and tragedy. The IOC cares deeply about the plight of athletes around the globe and is concerned whenever it learns of individual cases of abuse. However, it is very difficult to comment on individual situations during a conflict or unrest in a country without the IOC being able to confirm information that often contradicts IOC News,” says Pakinomist.
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“At this time, we are particularly concerned about the plight of Iranian athletes affected by the events unfolding in their country – as we are with all athletes facing conflict and tragedy elsewhere in the world. Unfortunately, these situations are being brought to our attention more regularly 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 civil, non-governmental organization, has neither the mandate nor the ability to change the laws or the political system of a sovereign country. This is the legitimate role of governments and the respective intergovernmental organizations. The IOC is a sports organization whose mission and success is based on bringing the world together in peaceful competition. We must be realistic about the IOC’s global statement,” he says. 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 the Olympic community from Iran.”
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Mohammadi was reportedly killed in a public hanging on Thursday, according to Iranian-American human rights activists and dissidents.
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-affiliated Mizan news agency reported.
Mohammadi previously told the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting that his dream was to become an Olympic champion.
President Donald Trump condemned the regime for the executions while speaking to reporters this week.
“These are thugs and animals and terrible 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 freestyle wrestling at the Saytiyev International Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Olympians who spoke out against the execution included US 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 protests as international pressure mounts to save the athlete. (The Foreign Desk)
“My prayers are with Saleh Mohammadi’s family and all who are suffering. In the face of such oppression, I hold on to the hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only light that overcomes 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 stand up to it, and moments like this prove why that approach is necessary.”
