The recent execution of Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old wrestling champion, highlights the Iranian regime’s notorious use of death penalties against perceived threats to its authority. Mohammadi was one of three individuals hanged on March 19, 2026, in Qom under the charge of moharebeh, or waging war against God. This charge frequently surfaces in cases related to protests and dissent. It illustrates how the Islamic Republic frames opposition not merely as a political challenge but as a divine offense.
The regime justifies its draconian actions through the concept of velayat-e faqih, where the supreme leader is viewed as God’s representative on earth. Under this doctrine, dissent against state authority equates to dissent against divine order. As such, the application of moharebeh serves as a powerful tool to silence opposition and instill fear among dissenters. In Mohammadi’s case, the regime ignored crucial evidence and testimony that could have proven his innocence, showcasing a blatant disregard for justice and due process.
The swift nature of Mohammadi’s trial, which took place less than three weeks after his arrest, further emphasizes the regime’s harsh treatment of political prisoners. Reports indicate that his confession was allegedly coerced through torture—a tactic that raises serious concerns about the integrity of the judicial system in Iran.
This execution is not an isolated incident but part of a broader strategy historically deployed by the regime against athletes, particularly wrestlers, who symbolize national pride. The executions of figures like Hooshang Montazeralzohour—another champion wrestler executed in 1981—illustrate a chilling pattern of targeting those with public recognition. This trend echoes through the decades, with the regime employing sports figures as cautionary tales to deter others from opposing authority.
The case of Navid Afkari, a Greco-Roman wrestler executed in 2020, reinforces this ongoing narrative. His arrest followed the 2018 protests, and like Mohammadi, he faced severe consequences under dubious judicial circumstances. His poignant claim that the Islamic Republic was on the verge of executing an innocent person speaks to the broader context of systemic injustices faced by accused individuals in Iran. Despite pleas for clemency from global figures, Afkari was executed, and his family faced further repercussions.
The U.S. State Department acknowledged that the events surrounding Afkari’s execution reflect a pattern of torture, forced confessions, and executions lacking fair trials—elements that are regrettably common in Iran’s judicial landscape. The same troubling attributes surround Mohammadi’s case.
As reports from Iran Human Rights indicate, a troubling number of detainees remain at risk of receiving death sentences for charges deeply rooted in political suppression. With an estimated 1,500 executions occurring in the country in 2025, Iran remains one of the world’s leading executioners, showcasing its commitment to maintaining power through fear.
The continued focus on wrestlers in Iran’s execution statistics serves not just as a grim commentary on state repression but also raises questions about the treatment of athletes and public figures. Victims like Mohammadi are emblematic of a regime that uses its judicial system as a weapon, stifling dissent with the ultimate penalty.
The execution of Saleh Mohammadi is a stark reminder of the systemic brutality meted out by the Iranian regime. It follows a long tradition of targeting athletes, weaving together a narrative of fear and repression. As these events unfold, the need for international attention and condemnation remains crucial, emphasizing the dire human rights situation that continues to plague the Islamic Republic.
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