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The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has addressed the recent execution of 19-year-old wrestling star Saleh Mohammadi by the Iranian regime.
After several Olympians, including three gold medalists, condemned the execution to PK Press Club Digital, the IOC has now made a statement on the matter.
“Unfortunately, today’s world is divided and full of conflict and tragedy. The IOC cares deeply about the situation of athletes around the world and is concerned whenever it becomes aware of individual cases of mistreatment. However, it is very difficult to comment on the situation of individuals during conflict or unrest in a country, without the IOC being able to verify the often contradictory information,” the IOC said in a statement to PK Press Club Digital.
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“At this time, we are particularly concerned about the situation of Iranian athletes affected by events unfolding in their country – as we are with all athletes facing conflict and tragedy elsewhere in the world. Unfortunately, these situations are brought to our attention more regularly due to the increasingly divided world in which we live.”
The IOC has reiterated that it does not have the power to dictate the decisions of a sovereign nation.
“The IOC, as a civil non-governmental organization, has neither the mandate nor the ability to change the laws or political system of any sovereign country. This is the legitimate role of governments and respective intergovernmental organizations. The IOC is a sporting organization whose mission and success is based on bringing the world together in peaceful competition. We must be realistic about the IOC’s ability to directly influence global and national affairs,” the statement continued.
“At the same time, we will continue to work with our Olympic partners to help where we can, often through discreet sports diplomacy. The IOC remains in contact with the Iranian Olympic community.”
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Mohammadi was reportedly killed in a public hanging on Thursday, according to Iranian-American human rights activists and dissidents.
Iran International reported that the Iranian regime hanged Mohammadi and two other Iranians, Mehdi Ghasemiand and Saeed Davoudi, “after they were accused of killing two police officers during nationwide protests earlier this year,” the judiciary-linked Mizan news agency reported.
Mohammadi previously told the Islamic Republic of Iran TV channel that his dream was to become an Olympic champion.
President Donald Trump condemned the regime for the executions in a speech to reporters this week.
“They are thugs and animals and horrible people,” Trump said of the regime. “I’m not surprised they executed three young people for protesting.”
Mohammadi won a bronze medal in September 2024 for Iranian national freestyle wrestling at the Saytiyev International Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Among the Olympians who spoke out against the execution were U.S. gold medalists wrestler Brandon Slay, swimmer Tyler Clary and bobsledder Kaillie Humphries.
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Wrestling champion Saleh Mohammadi faces imminent execution in Iran for taking part in a protest as international pressure mounts to save the athlete. (The Foreign Office)
“My prayers go out to Saleh Mohammadi’s family and all those who are suffering. In the face of such oppression, I maintain hope in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the only light that overcomes darkness and only the truth that proclaims justice and mercy will one day prevail,” Slay said.
Clary added: “President Trump has been clear-eyed about the nature of this regime and the need to stand up to it, and moments like this prove why this approach is necessary. »
