The 27-year-old was executed in Shiraz jail, according to IRNA. He was sentenced to death in connection with the killing of Hassan Turkman, a security agent with the Iranian government’s water and sewerage department, during an August 2018 protest in Shiraz, according to Iranian state media Mizan.
Gholam-Hossein Ismaili, a spokesman for Iran’s judiciary, was quoted by the Tehran-based daily Hamshari on Wednesday as saying that Afkari had been sentenced to life in prison by the Islamic State. [qisas] Or “retribution-in-kind.”
According to Hamshari, Esmaili said Afkari needed to make the victim’s family happy by paying compensation. If he was unable to do so, the judiciary would have to hand down the death sentence, as the case has been reviewed by the Supreme Court and because the courts have said he has confessed to Hassan Turkmen’s murder.
Erna reported on Saturday that Afkari was hanged after the victim’s family allowed him to pardon and pay compensation.
The World Players’ Association, an international body representing professional athletes, opposed the sentence and threatened to expel Iran from international sports, including the Olympic movement, if executed.
Naveed was one of thousands of Iranians who took part in a spontaneous protest against economic hardship and political repression in Iran that year, according to a statement from the WPA. “Nevertheless, he has been unfairly targeted by Iranian authorities who seek to set an example of a popular, high-profile athlete and intimidate others who may dare to exercise their human right to participate in peaceful protests.”
The WPA said in a statement that Afkari had “twice been sentenced to death after being tortured into making a false confession.”
Addressing the protest, Ismaili said that, according to the Tehran newspaper, the anti-enforcement campaign had helped the judiciary to confess and re-prosecute Afkari himself in a videotape given to Iranian state TV IRIB.
Afkari’s case also sparked interest in sports circles. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have called for international intervention and a new trial.
US President Donald Trump last week asked Iranian leaders for the last time to save Afkari’s life. “Heard that Iran is considering implementing a great and popular wrestling star, 27-year-old Naveed Afkari, whose only act was an anti-government demonstration in the streets. He was protesting against the ‘deteriorating economic situation and inflation in the country.'” Trump tweeted.
“To the leaders of Iran, I highly appreciate that if you can save the life of this young man, and not run it. Thank you!”
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