Execution of Navid Afkari sparks global condemnation against Iran
Published by Ali on September 14, 2020
International Liberty Association: The horrific execution of Navid Afkari, a 27-year old Iranian wrestler, by the Iran Judiciary has launched a massive wave of international condemnations.
ILA as well as other human right supporter organisations, has had published the reports and news regarding the situation of Navid Afkari, Mostafa Salehi and many other prisoners, trying to stop their death sentence. There had been many calls to stop Navid Afkari execution, including from a union representing 85,000 athletes worldwide.
Despite the international outcries, unfortunately, Iran authorities executed them.
However, this genocidal action which has continued since 1988 has sparked global condemnation against Iran.
The following is some of these condemnations by well-known people and distinguished personalities, Athletes and organisations all around the world:
The European Union spokesperson responded to Navid Afkari’s execution. “The EU condemns the execution of Navid Afkari in the strongest terms. The European Union is unequivocally opposed to use of the death penalty in any circumstance. It is a cruel and inhumane punishment, which fails to act as a deterrent and represents an unacceptable denial of human dignity and integrity.
We have condemned this and other executions publicly (including in UN fora) as well as privately during our bilateral contacts with Iran. This most recent execution will be taken up with Iran immediately. Human rights remain a central feature of our engagement with Iran and we will continue to engage with Iranian authorities on this issue, including on individual cases.”
In a statement, the European Diplomacy Bureau “strongly condemns” the execution of the Iranian citizen, recalls that human rights are a central element of relations between Iran and the European bloc and stated that it will continue to deal with these cases in the US his contacts with Tehran.
White House Communications Director Alyssa Farah used the words “cruel, barbaric and backwards” in her description of the mullahs’ regime. “The wonderful people of Iran deserve a better, brighter future than this. Our hearts are with the family of Navid Afkari and people of Iran.”
Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, the UK Human Rights Minister, joined the voices in condemning Navid Afkari’s execution. “It is tragic news and deplorable that the Iranian authorities have executed Navid Afkari. The UK opposes the death penalty in all circumstances, as a matter of principle,” he said.
Senator Leo Housakos of Canada called on the “international community to take action against these egregious acts.”
U.S. Ambassador to the UN Kelly Craft condemned “the Iranian regime’s continued and audacious disregard for human life” and emphasized the “voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced.”
The International Olympic Committee said it was “shocked” by the execution and that it was “deeply upsetting” that pleas by athletes around the world and international bodies had failed to halt it.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Navid Afkari,” the IOC said in a statement.
Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod said the “use of torture in Iranian prisons and denial of right to due process is well-documented and must be condemned.”
Norway’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying they were “appalled by Iran’s execution of Navid Afkari.”
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced a “vicious” execution.
“We condemn it in the strongest terms. It is an outrageous assault on human dignity, even by the despicable standards of this regime. The voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced,” Pompeo tweeted.
Human rights organisation Amnesty International described Afkari’s execution as a “travesty of justice”.
Sweden joined the condemnation.
“Appalled by reports of the execution of Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari,” its foreign minister, Ann Linde, tweeted.
Campaign group Global Athlete said the execution was “heinous” and called for sanctions to stop Iran competing in international sport.
