The troubling case of champion Iranian wrestler Navid Afkari is triggering widespread outrage.
Afkari, 27, was handed a penalty of two death sentences — as well as 74 lashes with a whip — for his role in a peaceful protest against the Iran government's economic policies in 2018.
Afkari andhis brothers, Vahid and Habib, were among hundreds of protesters who took to the streets in anti-government demonstrations in several cities in August, 2018. They were protesting the country's worsening economic situation and inflation.
According to a letter published by the Human Rights Activists News Agency, Afkari said he was tortured by authorities until he confessed to more than 20 crimes, including "insulting the supreme leader, attending illegal gatherings, assembly and conspiracy to commit crimes against national security".
His head was covered with a plastic bag and alcohol was poured into his nostrils as part of the torture, he said.
Hearing that Iran is looking to execute a great and popular wrestling star, 27-year-old Navid Afkarai, whose sole act was an anti-government demonstration on the streets. They were protesting the “country’s worsening economic situation and inflation”...
Ben Askren, a former UFC star and Olympic wrestler, added: "This is what a real authoritarian regime look like."
Afkari, who also works as a plasterer, has won several wrestling medals in Iranian tournaments. Wrestling is a beloved sport in Iran, and Iranian athletes have distinguished themselves in international freestyle and Greco-Roman competitions.
The news website Iran International reported Iran imposed two death sentences on Afkari as well as six years and six months in prison and 74 lashes.
One death sentence was imposed by a criminal court and one by a "revolutionary court".
Afkari's brother Vahid received a sentence of 54 years and six months in prison and 74 lashes. A third brother, Habib, was given a prison term of 27 years and three months and 74 lashes.
In a video reviewed by Fox News, the brothers' mother denounced the sham trial against her sons.
"I'm desperately asking for help from anyone who can hear my voice," she said.
This is what the Islamic Republic of Iran does to a mother.
Her name is Behieh Namjou. The regime has sentenced her son #NavidAfkari to death for a simply protesting. Her other sons are unjustly imprisoned
