The head of the White House, Donald Trump, asked the Iranian authorities to pardon the famous fighter Navid Afkari, who was sentenced to death for participating in anti-government protests.
The 27-year-old wrestler, along with other participants in the demonstration, spoke out against the worsening economic situation in the country and against inflation. This was the only act for which Afkari was sentenced to capital punishment, Trump said.
“I would be very grateful to the leaders of Iran if you would save the life of this young man, and not execute him. Thank!” – he wrote in Twitter Friday 4th September.
Hearing that Iran is looking to execute a great and popular wrestling star, 27-year-old Navid Afkarai, whose sole act was an anti-government demonstration on the streets. They were protesting the “country’s worsening economic situation and inflation” …
– Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 3, 2020
Afkari received two death sentences for participating in protests in 2018, according to TMZ Sports. Law enforcement officers detained the fighter along with two brothers – Wahid and Khabib. All were found guilty, but only Navid was sentenced to death.
Wahid Afkari was sentenced to 54 years in prison and Khabib Afkari to 27 years. They will also receive 74 lashes as punishment.
The brothers’ mother recorded a video in which she called the lawsuit against her sons unfair and deceitful, stressing that they “had no opportunity to defend themselves at all.”
The mother of the 3 #Iran protesters has gone public to save the lives of her sons, after Navid was sentenced to death & Vahid & Habib were sentenced to 81 years in prison for protesting in August 2018. #StopExecutionsInIran# اعدام_نکنید# نوید_افکاری pic.twitter.com/Wm7LGeBPj4
– IRAN HRM (@IranHrm) September 1, 2020
In addition, The Human Rights Activists News Agency reported that it had received a letter in which Navid said he was tortured. According to the athlete, a bag was put on his head, and alcohol was poured into his nostrils.
It is noted that the date of execution of Navid Afkari has not yet been named.