“This is beyond evil”: Martina Navratilova reacts as boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani faces possible execution in Iran

Martina Navratilova spoke out in anger after new reports said Iran’s boxing champion Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani was moved to solitary confinement and could be executed soon. Reacting on X, the tennis great wrote, “This is beyond evil.” Her words came as athletes and sports voices around the world raised alarm over the treatment of the boxer, who is also known as a pro-democracy activist.Vafaei Sani, 30, is being held at Vakilabad Prison in Mashhad, Iran. Reports say he was moved to solitary confinement as part of preparations for execution. His case has drawn heavy attention from the sports world because he is being punished not for sport-related issues, but for taking part in protests. According to human rights groups, his only “crime” was speaking up for freedom during nationwide protests.Soon after the news broke, calls grew louder from athletes, fans, and global sports figures asking Iran to stop the execution. Many stressed that sport is built on fairness, courage, and hope, not fear and silence.Martina Navratilova had earlier joined more than 20 Olympic medalists, coaches, and international athletes who signed a letter asking Iran to halt the execution of Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani. The letter was also signed by former Olympic swimmer Sharron Davies, along with several other well-known sports figures.The letter said executing an athlete for his beliefs goes against everything sport stands for. It urged the United Nations, global sports bodies, and governments to act fast and save his life. The athletes warned that this case sends a chilling message to anyone in sport who dares to speak up.Vafaei Sani was arrested in 2019 after joining protests and was accused of supporting an opposition group. He has spent around five years in prison. Human rights organizations say he was tortured and placed in solitary confinement during this time. His sentence was overturned twice, but on October 4, it was upheld again. Amnesty International called his trial “grossly unfair” and continues to campaign against his execution.According to Amnesty International, Iran is facing what it calls an “execution crisis.” The group reported at least 853 executions in 2023 and 972 in 2024, with more than 800 already carried out in 2025.Before his arrest, Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani was one of Iran’s top boxing champions. He also worked as a coach, helping train young fighters. In the ring, he was known for his discipline and strength. Today, many athletes say his sporting journey should not end in a prison cell, but be remembered for the pride he brought to sport.Also Read: Anna Kournikova And Enrique Iglesias Combined Net Worth In 2025: Tennis Career, Music Earnings, Endorsements, Business And More