Cowardice of Execution: Instead of Fighting Fair, Iran’s Regime Puts Boxer on Death Row
***Riley Gaines and Martina Navratilova CALLING FOR Release of Mohammad Javad Vafaei (SEE FULL LIST AT BOTTOM)**
As Iran approaches another pivotal moment in its confrontation with the world over human rights, members of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) are available for interviews in advance of their international convention on November 15, 2025. The convention will spotlight the regime’s escalating campaign of executions, torture, and political imprisonment—targeting students, women, workers, and public figures who have spoken out for freedom.
Shirin Nariman, former political prisoner in Iran, Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad and Dr. Kazem Kazerounian, as well as NCRI’s Shahin Gobadi and Ali Safavi are available for interviews to discuss this amazing event.
One of the most urgent cases is that of Mohammad Javad Vafaei, a 30-year-old Iranian boxing champion and respected athletic coach who has been sentenced to death for his support of the democratic opposition movement. After taking part in the 2019 nationwide protests, Vafaei was arrested, held in solitary confinement, and subjected to torture that led to forced confessions. His death sentence rests on the charge of “enmity against God,” a label the regime routinely applies to peaceful dissenters. He is one of sixteen political prisoners currently facing imminent execution on similar grounds.
This case has begun to draw global attention. More than twenty internationally recognized athletes, including Riley Gaines and Martina Navratilova, along with Olympic medalists and world champions, have issued a public appeal urging an end to Vafaei’s execution. Their message is direct and deeply human: no athlete should face death for believing in freedom.
To discuss Vafaei’s case and the broader pattern of political persecution in Iran, we are offering interviews with Shirin Nariman, a leading spokeswoman for the NCRI and a widely respected advocate for Iranian human rights. She can address the personal stories that often get lost in the headlines, including families searching for disappeared relatives, students punished for online speech, and women arrested for refusing forced hijab. She can also speak to the mechanics of Iran’s judicial process, the conditions inside political prisons, and the organized resistance networks that continue to grow despite the regime’s attempts to crush dissent.
This story carries urgency. Two political prisoners were executed on July 27 under similar charges. Without sustained international pressure, Vafaei and others may face the same fate. Shirin Nariman is available for television, radio, print, podcast, livestream, and panel interviews and can provide immediate insight into both the human cost and the political implications of what is unfolding inside Iran.
Speakers Available:
Shirin Nariman – Former Political Prisoner in Iran
Shahin Gobadi – Member of NCRI Parliament in Exile
Other Speakers Available:
Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad – Iranian American Scholar and Cybersecurity Executive
Dr. Kazem Kazerounian – Dean of College of Engineering; expert on Iran’s Nuclear program
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Optional Q&A
- What does the case of Mohammad Javad Vafaei reveal about the regime’s fear of young, influential figures who support democratic change?
- How are international voices, including athletes like Riley Gaines and Martina Navratilova, helping to bring global attention to his situation?
- Can you explain Shirin Nariman’s role in advocating for political prisoners and how her message will be highlighted at the upcoming NCRI convention?
- What are the broader implications of the regime sentencing 16 political prisoners, including a woman, on vague charges related to the MEK?
- How does the growing support from athletes, human rights groups, and international organizations impact the regime’s ability to carry out executions?
- Why is it important for the global community to view these executions not as isolated cases, but as part of a systemic strategy of repression?
- What are the key objectives of the NCRI convention on November 15, and how will it amplify the voices of those persecuted inside Iran?
- What specific actions should governments, NGOs, and international sports bodies take immediately to help stop the execution of Vafaei and others like him?
Free Iran Convention 2025
Iran on the brink: Roadmap to end theocracy, Plan for the future Iran
The Free Iran Convention 2025 will be held in Washington, D.C., On Saturday, November 15,
The first convention of its kind in DC will bring together more than 1,000 Iranian scholars, activists, professionals, and community leaders to address the prospects of regime change Iran, and the transition from a theocracy to a democratic, secular, and non-nuclear republic.
This landmark one-day event offers a unique, multi-dimensional perspective on Iranian affairs and the imperative of a viable and effective policy vis-à-vis the Iranian regime.
It will feature Iranian voices from three generations across the United States, joined by prominent American and international dignitaries.
Several victims of the regime and activists who took part in the uprisings in the recent years in Iran will also address the gathering, adding firsthand insight to the discussions.
The convention occurs at a pivotal time. The Iranian regime neither has given up drive to acquire nuclear weapons, nor export of terrorism and investing on proxy groups and has remained a major threat to global peace and security. Meanwhile, momentum for change is rapidly growing inside Iran, as the clerical regime has resorted to an unprecedented wave of executions in an attempt to suppress the mounting call for freedom.
Convention Schedule and Program
9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Washington, DC
By Invitation only,
accredited journalists RSVP:
media@ncrius.org
Expert panels and discussions:
Panel 1: Society Ripe for Change in Iran
Why Change Has Become Inevitable
Panel 2: Iranian Women and the Legacy of Resistance
From Repression to Leadership in Charting the Future
Panel 3: Prospects for Change in Iran, the Plan for Transition
Roadmap for the Overthrow of the Regime, Establishing Democracy
Panel 4: The Power of Youth in Driving Change in Iran
A Defiant Generation Shaping Iran’s Democratic Movement
Panel 5: The Heart of Iran in Revolt
Voices of Courage, Strength, and Hope
Distinguished Dialogue
The Science of Renewal: Building Iran’s Future (dialogue with a distinguished Iranian scholar)
A Scholar’s Vision for Tomorrow
Shaping Iran’s Future: The People’s Choice for Democracy (dialogue with a distinguished Iranian scholar)
International Section
Distinguished American and European dignitaries will address this segment of the program.
ABOUT SHIRIN NARIMAN…
Shirin Nariman is a former political prisoner from Iran, human rights advocate, and entrepreneur.
At just 15 years old, during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, she became involved in pro-democracy activities and supported the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI). Less than two years later, she was arrested for her activism—becoming one of the youngest political prisoners of her time and enduring severe torture in Evin Prison. Her case drew international attention and intervention from the Red Cross.
During her imprisonment, Shirin witnessed the regime’s brutality firsthand, including the executions of children, elderly women, and pregnant prisoners. After her release, she eventually sought refuge in the United States, where she has dedicated her life to advocating for human rights, women’s rights, and a free, democratic, non-nuclear Iran.
Shirin holds a bachelor’s degree in management information systems and has worked with leading wireless and financial corporations.
ABOUT SHAHIN GOBADI…
Shahin Gobadi, a U.S.-educated nuclear engineer, is a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iran’s Parliament-in-Exile.
An astute observer of Iranian affairs for over three decades, Gobadi is an expert on topics including Iranian state-sponsored terrorism, proxy groups in the Middle East, the Iranian nuclear and weapons of mass destruction (WMD) programs, Western policy toward Iran, and internal Iranian affairs.
He has been interviewed by major international media outlets, including CNN, Fox News, BBC, Sky TV, GB News, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, Reuters, and the Associated Press. Gobadi’s writings have appeared in prominent media across the U.S. and Europe.
ABOUT DR. RAMESH SEPEHRRAD…
Dr. Ramesh Sepehrrad is a leading Iranian-American scholar, published author, cybersecurity executive, and human rights advocate, known for her tireless efforts to advance a non-nuclear, secular, and democratic republic in Iran. As Chair of the Advisory Board of the Organization of Iranian American Communities (OIAC), she plays a pivotal role in bipartisan majority of congressional advocacy, including support for various house resolutions, which endorses the Iranian people’s aspirations for freedom and Maryam Rajavi’s ten-point plan.
Born in Shiraz, Iran, Ramesh’s commitment to justice is deeply personal. Her family endured brutal persecution under both the Shah’s monarchy and the current theocratic regime. Several relatives were imprisoned, tortured, or executed for their opposition to tyranny—an experience that has shaped her life’s mission to amplify the voices of Iran’s oppressed.
After seeking refuge in the United States in 1985, Dr. Sepehrrad earned a B.S. in Computer Science from SUNY Buffalo, an M.A. in Political Science, and a Ph.D. in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. She has also taught graduate courses on conflict, gender, and human rights at George Mason, University of Connecticut where she was inducted as the Distinguished Engineer, and University of Baltimore.
Professionally, she has held senior executive roles in cybersecurity and risk management where she has earned numerous industry awards and recognition.
Through academic rigor, policy engagement, and grassroots mobilization, Dr. Sepehrrad is a compelling voice for democratic change in Iran—rejecting both monarchy and theocracy in favor of a republic rooted in gender equality, human rights and the rule of law.
ABOUT DR. KAZEM KAZEROUNIAN…
Dr. Kazem Kazerounian is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Connecticut and served as Dean of the College of Engineering from 2012 to 2024.
He is a member of The Free Iran Scholars Network. A passionate advocate for democracy and human rights, Dr. Kazerounian is also an expert on Iran and the Middle East, particularly regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, and human rights situation in Iran. He has contributed widely through scholarly articles, invited talks, and media interviews on regional affairs and the democratic movement in Iran.
Nationally, he has held leadership roles with ASEE and ASME, shaping engineering policy and education. His honors include the ASME Mechanisms and Robotics Award, AIMBE Fellowship, and induction into the Connecticut Academy of Science & Engineering.
An ASME Fellow, his research spans kinematics, robotics, and biomechanics. He has authored over 160 scholarly works and co-founded AcademicKeys.com and AcademicJournal.com, a professional platform and an online journal for academics.
ABOUT ALI SAFAVI…
Ali Safavi is a member of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), Iran’s Parliament-in-Exile.
A sociologist by training, Safavi studied and taught at UCLA, California State University Los Angeles, and the University of Michigan. He was an active participant in the anti-Shah student movement in the 1970s in the United States and has been deeply engaged in Iranian affairs ever since.
Safavi has lectured and written extensively on Iran, Iraq, terrorism, nuclear proliferation, and Middle Eastern politics. He has appeared in interviews on networks such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, CBS, BBC, Sky TV, Newsmax, and France 24. His articles and commentary have been published in leading outlets, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Hill, The Boston Herald, The Washington Times, and The Financial Times.
This material is distributed by Special Guests Publicity LLC on behalf of National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) / Media Strategy Consulting LTD. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice, Washington, DC.
CONTACT:
For further details or to arrange the interview, please contact Jerry McGlothlin at 919-437-0001 / Bookings@SeasonalLiving.com
Joint Statement by International Athletes and Sports Personalities on the Imminent Execution of Iranian Boxing Champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani
6 November 2025
We, athletes and sports figures from around the world, strongly condemn the Iranian regime’s decision on 4 October 2025 to uphold the death sentence of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a 30-year-old boxing champion and coach from Mashhad.
Mohammad Javad has spent more than five years in prison under torture and solitary confinement for taking part in the 2019 pro-democracy protests and supporting the democratic opposition PMOI (MEK).
His case is not an isolated tragedy. Iran has a grim history of executing athletes for their beliefs, including the captain of the national football team Habib Khabiri and the captain of the national women’s volleyball team Forouzan Abdi, the latter executed alongside 30,000 political prisoners during the 1988 massacre. In 2020, Iranian wrestling champion Navid Afkari was executed after participating in peaceful protests in 2018.
In recent months, the Iranian authorities have executed numerous other protesters on similar bogus charges with total impunity. These political executions are a callous attempt by the authorities to frighten and silence an increasingly restive population no longer willing to accept their corrupt and oppressive rule.
Sport is meant to inspire hope, unity, and courage. The execution of a champion for his political views is a direct assault on these values and a warning to every athlete who dares to speak out.
We call on the United Nations, international sports federations, and governments to act immediately to save the life of Mohammad Javad. The world must not stand by while Iran silences its champions.
We stand with Mohammad Javad. We stand for justice.
SIGNED:
- Martina Navratilova – (Czech Republic/United States)
Former world no. 1 women’s tennis player
- Sharron Davies MBE – (United Kingdom)
Swimmer, Olympic medallist
- Riley Gaines – (United States)
Swimmer, twelve-time NCAA All-American
- Craig Foster AM – (Australia)
Former Captain of the national football team of Australia
- Tracy Edwards MBE – (United Kingdom)
1990 Yachtsman of the Year; Skipper of the first all-female crew Whitbread Round the World Yacht Race
- Carilyn Johnson – (United States)
Ultrarunner, 4-time member of Team USA; 2-time gold and 1-time silver medallist team member at the IAU 24-Hour World Championship
- Ali Ziaei – (Canada)
Former National Sanshou Champion and member of Canadian National Wushu Team
- Inga Thompson – (United States)
Cyclist, 3-time Olympian, 10-time US National Champion, and 3-time World Medallist
- Kim McGinnis Russell – (United States)
Former Head Women’s Lacrosse Coach at Oberlin College; Member of the Women in Sport Commission of World Lacrosse (WL) 2024
- Nancy Hogshead – (United States)
Swimmer, 3-time Olympic gold medallist
- Linda Blade – (Canada)
Coach; Former NCAA All American and National Champion of Canada in track & field
- Bahram Mavaddat – (Iran)
Footballer; 1978 FIFA World Cup player
- Patricia Reid – (United Kingdom)
Rower, Olympic single sculler, 4-time British National Champion; Commonwealth Games silver medallist
- Marissa Williamson Pohlman – (Australia)
Boxer, Olympian, gold medallist at the 2023 Pacific Games
- Florent Betorangal – (France)
Mix martial arts combatant, former 100% Fight champion
- André Matias – (Angola)
Rower; Olympian; 2-time silver medallist in the African Championships
- Monica Aksamit – (United States)
Saber fencer; Olympic bronze medallist; Pan American Games gold medallist
- Shea McAleese – (New Zealand)
Olympic hockey player; Commonwealth Games silver medallist
- Asghar Adibi – (Iran)
Footballer; Former Member of Iran’s National Football Team
- Brendan Schwab – (Australia)
Former Executive Director of the World Players Association
- Milad Sharif – (United States)
Wrestler; 2025 US Beach Wrestling gold medallist
