World Players Association Condemns Execution Of Navid Afkari

The World Players Association has spoken out against the killing of Navid Afkari. The executive director of the association called Iran’s execution of the wrestler “horrific” and “very sad.”

Afkari was executed on Saturday after being convicted of fatally stabbing a security guard during a 2018 anti-government protest.

According to his family and activists, the wrestler was forced into a false confession. The judiciary denied his claims of innocence.

The executive director of the World Players Association, the International Olympic Committee, FIFA and President Trump all called on Iran to not execute Afkari.

“The concept for us that an athlete, who is involved in peaceful protest, who is convicted of crimes pursuant to coerced confessions, who has suffered torture and then subjected to execution, is just horrifying,” stated World Players Executive Director Brendan Schwab.

Iran’s state media has often been accused of broadcasting forced confessions, but Iranian officials continue to deny the allegation.

“We are determined that Navid Afkari’s life will not be lost in vain,” added Schwab. “We will continue to fight for the rights of athletes and to ensure the world of sport holds those who abuse human rights to the highest standards of accountability.”