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The troubling case of Iranian wrestling champion Navid Afkari is sparking widespread outrage.
Afkari, 27, was sentenced to two death sentences, in addition to 74 lashes, for his role in a peaceful protest against the economic policies of the Iranian government in 2018.
Afkari and his brothers, Vahid and Habib, were among the hundreds of protesters who took to the streets in anti-government demonstrations in various cities in August 2018. They were protesting the worsening economic situation and inflation in the country.
According to a letter published by the Human Rights Activists news agency, Afkari said he was tortured by authorities until he confessed to more than 20 crimes, including “insulting the supreme leader, attending illegal meetings, assemblies and conspiring to commit crimes against the National security”. .
His head was covered with a plastic bag and alcohol was poured into his nose as part of the torture, he said.
US President Donald Trump has called on the Iranian government to remove the death sentences.
“To the leaders of Iran, I would greatly appreciate it if you would spare the life of this young man and not execute him. Thank you,” Trump tweeted.
His cause is also being championed by the UFC community. Conor McGregor’s trainer John Kavanagh responded to Trump’s tweet saying, “Save Navid Afkari.”
Ben Askren, former UFC star and Olympic fighter, added: “This is what a real authoritarian regime looks like.”
Afkari, who also works as a plasterer, has won several medals for wrestling in Iranian tournaments. Wrestling is a beloved sport in Iran, and Iranian athletes have distinguished themselves in international freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions.
The news website Iran International reported that Iran imposed two death sentences on Afkari, as well as six years and six months in prison and 74 lashes.
One death sentence was imposed by a criminal court and another by a “revolutionary court”.
Afkari’s brother Vahid received a sentence of 54 years and six months in prison and 74 lashes. A third brother, Habib, received a prison sentence of 27 years and three months and 74 lashes.
In a video reviewed by Fox News, the mother of the brothers denounced the false judgment against her children.
“I am desperately asking for help from anyone who can hear my voice,” he said.
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