Iran executes teen wrestling champion over protests, rights groups slam sham trial

Saleh Mohammadi was a wrestling champion and had taken part in international competitions.

Published on: Mar 20, 2026, 22:13:05 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Iran executed Saleh Mohammadi, a 19-year-old member of its national wrestling team, Mehdi Ghasemi and Saeed Dovoudi after accusing them of killing two police officers during protests in Qom on January 8. They were charged with 'enmity against God' and alleged ties to Israel and the USA. Such claims are often used against dissidents in the country. According to Human Rights groups, the trials lacked due process, and also involved forced confessions under torture and defence witnesses were also barred.

Saleh Mohammadi only turned 19 last week. (X)

Mohammadi was a wrestling champion and had taken part in international competitions. According to Amnesty International, he was denied "adequate defence and forced to make 'confessions'... in fast-tracked proceedings that bore no resemblance to a meaningful trial."

Also Read: US-Israel conflict with Iran disrupts global sport: Finalissima cancelled, F1 races scrapped, FIFA World Cup withdrawal

He only turned 19 last week. The day before his execution, the authorities executed Kouroush Keyvani, a dual Iranian-Swedish national, accusing him of spying for Israel.

"We are deeply concerned about the risk of mass executions of protesters and political prisoners in the shadow of war," said Iran Human Rights.

"These executions are carried out to spread fear in the society, as the Islamic Republic knows that the main threat to its survival comes from the Iranian people demanding fundamental change," it added.

The hangings of the three men are the first officially announced executions related to protests which broke out in the country in late December due to the rising cost of living. But then it turned into nationwide anti-government demonstrations peaking in early January.

The US-based Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA) has recorded more than 7,000 killings, with the vast majority of protesters, while warning the toll could be far higher. Tehran has acknowledged that more than 3,000 people died during the unrest, including members of the security forces and innocent bystanders, and attributed the violence to "terrorist acts".

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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