Persian and English cyberspace is filled with the hashtag "Do not execute Navid." Several prominent foreign media outlets have also addressed the issue of confirming the death sentence of the 27-year-old Iranian wrestler by publishing a report in this regard.
Image credit: National Council of Resistance In Iran
#نویدمان را اعدام نکنید
#اعدام نکنید
These are examples of hashtags that have been used thousands of times on Twitter over the past few days. Persian, as well as English users, have appealed for Navid case, citing Navid Afkari's lawyer. Navid Afkari's lawyer told several local media outlets that there was no photo of his client perpetrating a crime and that the video mentioned by the court was one hour before the crime took place. Navid Afkari is alleged to stabbing and killing an employee of the Kazerun Water and Sewerage Company. The murder's motive was not mentioned in the case, and the defendant told the court that his confession had been made under brutal torture.
A video of Navid Afkari's mother, who painfully asked people to help save her sons, went viral and met with widespread public outcry. The other two brothers, Vahid, and Habib were sentenced to 54 years and 27 years in prison, respectively. The three brothers were also sentenced to 74 lashes. The three brothers are said to have attended the August 2018 protests against the regime in Shiraz. The release of the recorded voice of Navid Afkari from prison, talking about his torture and protesting his innocence, along with his mother's video, enormously influenced the virtual world. Shiraz city council member Mehdi Hajati wrote on Twitter that he had spent about eight months in the same prison cell with Habib Afkari. The city council member was jailed for several months to support the Baha'is (an ethnic minority). He wrote in his tweet to the Iranian officials: You are fighting with the shadows.
US President Trump has called on Iranian leaders not to execute Iranian wrestlers. World wrestlers also asked Iranian authorities to overturn Navid's death sentence.
"We hear that Iran is plotting to execute 27-year-old Navid Afkari, a star and supreme wrestling champion whose only action was to attend an anti-government protest," Trump tweeted. "They protested against the deteriorating economic situation and inflation. I would be very grateful if you set this young man free and not execute him. Thank you!" Trump said. State Department spokeswoman Morgan Ortega has also requested the release of these three brothers. Ortega tweeted: "We join the world in outrage at the Iranian regime's death sentence for Navid Afkari, who was tortured into giving a false confession after participating in peaceful protests in 2018. The regime also tortured his two brothers and sentenced them to decades in prison. Let them go!"
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About the Author
Mahtab is an Iranian Social activist determined to bring a change in society. She is a strong voice for women in Iran.
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