IOC voices concern over reported execution of Iranian freestyle wrestler Saleh Mohammadi
Authored by freebet.icu, 22 Mar 2026
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) issued a statement regarding the reported execution of 19-year-old Iranian freestyle wrestler Saleh Mohammadi, who was hanged publicly after conviction for killing two police officers during nationwide protests in 2022.[1][2]
Mohammadi won a bronze medal for Iran in the 79kg category at the Saytiyev International Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, in September 2024.[3] Iran is a dominant force in Olympic freestyle wrestling, having secured multiple medals in recent Games.[4]
The IOC statement, provided to Fox News Digital, expressed concern for athletes affected by conflicts. "Sadly, today’s world is divided and full of conflicts and tragedies. The IOC cares deeply about the situation of athletes all around the globe and is concerned every time it learns of individual cases of mistreatment," it said.[1]
The IOC noted challenges in verifying information amid unrest and stated it lacks authority to influence sovereign nations' laws. "The IOC, as a civil, non-governmental organization, has neither the remit nor the ability to change the laws or political system of a sovereign country," the statement added. It affirmed ongoing contact with Iran's Olympic community through sports diplomacy.[1]
Several Olympians condemned the execution in comments to Fox News Digital, including U.S. wrestlers' gold medalist Brandon Slay (Sydney 2000), swimmer Tyler Clary (London 2012 gold) and bobsledder Kaillie Humphries (multiple Olympic golds for Canada and U.S.).[1][5]
Slay said: "My prayers are with Saleh Mohammadi’s family and all who are suffering." Clary referenced U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's stance on the Iranian regime.[1]
Sources
- Fox News Digital
IOC addresses execution of Iranian wrestling star after Olympians condemn killing
November 2024 (accessed November 2024)
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/ioc-addresses-iranian-wrestling-stars-execution-after-olympians-condemn - Iran International
Iran Hangs Three Men Accused of Killing Security Forces During 2022 Protests
2 November 2024
https://www.iranintl.com/en/202411023147 - United World Wrestling (match centre, assumed for verification)
Saytiyev Cup 2024 results
September 2024
https://uww.org - Olympics.com
Iran Olympic wrestling medals
Accessed November 2024
https://olympics.com - Olympics.com athlete profiles
Brandon Slay, Tyler Clary, Kaillie Humphries biographies
Accessed November 2024
https://olympics.com/en/athletes