Prominent Iranian athletes and human rights activists with the United For Navid campaign are standing together to demand that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) immediately address violations of the Olympic Charter by the Iran Olympic Committee. This week, the United For Navid campaign provided the International Olympic Committee with a list of athletes (of which there are more) who have been tortured, beaten, arrested and denied access to competition and sport.

By opening an investigation on athlete abuse in Iran, the IOC will send a strong message that they are first and foremost an athlete-centered organization. The Games cannot go on if athlete rights are not upheld.

“The IOC must immediately take action and open an investigation. There is a grave fear of retribution for those that come forward, a very real fear not just for individual safety but for the safety of their families. Human rights are athlete rights, and athletes need the IOC to uphold the Olympic Charter to protect Iranian athletes” said Sardar Pashaei. “Navid Afkari’s death will not be in vain, we need immediate action to ensure these horrific acts stop immediately,” added Pashaei.

^{Background: United For Navid is a campaign created by a group of prominent Iranian athletes and human rights activists after the execution of wrestler Navid Afkari to call on international sporting bodies to act against Islamic Republic’s violation of sporting rules and athletes’ rights.}

^{Attached: Letter to the International Olympic Committee. (Note: The list of athletes has been removed to protect these individuals and their families)}

• This media release was sent out via email on 6 March 2021.