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Saleh Mohammadi

Saleh Mohammadi (11 March 2007 – 19 March 2026) was an Iranian wrestler and member of Iran's national wrestling team.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Saleh Mohammadi (11 March 2007 – 19 March 2026) was an Iranian wrestler and member of Iran's national wrestling team. He was arrested in January 2026, convicted in connection with the killing of a police officer during protests in Qom, and publicly executed in March 2026. His case drew international attention because of his age, his athletic profile, and allegations reported by rights groups about torture and due process.

Early life and wrestling career

Mohammadi was born in Saveh, Iran, in 2007 and became a wrestler on Iran's national wrestling team. Reports describe him as a young competitive athlete who won a bronze medal at the 2024 Saitiev Cup in Russia.

Arrest and trial

According to reports, Mohammadi was arrested in January 2026 after a police officer was killed during unrest in Qom. He was later sentenced to death by a Qom criminal court in a case linked to the 2025–2026 Iranian protests.

Execution and public response

Mohammadi was executed by hanging in Qom on 19 March 2026, alongside two other men, after the sentence was upheld. The case prompted international criticism from media outlets and rights groups, particularly over his age and allegations of torture.

Controversy

Coverage of the case differs in emphasis, but multiple sources report allegations that confessions were obtained under torture and that due-process concerns were raised by human-rights groups. State-linked reporting framed the case as a murder conviction tied to attacks on police during the protests.

Key facts

  • Saleh Mohammadi was an Iranian wrestler and national team member executed in 2026.
  • He was born on 11 March 2007 in Saveh and died on 19 March 2026 in Qom.
  • He won a bronze medal at the 2024 Saitiev Cup in Krasnoyarsk.
  • His arrest and conviction were linked to the killing of a police officer during 2025–2026 protests.
  • Human-rights groups alleged torture and due-process violations in his case.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Mohammadi's case in coverage of Iran's protest crackdowns, human-rights reporting, and international reactions from governments and media outlets.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Saleh Mohammadi?
He was an Iranian wrestler and member of Iran's national wrestling team who became internationally known after his arrest, conviction, and execution in 2026.
When was Saleh Mohammadi born?
He was born on 11 March 2007 in Saveh, Iran.
Why was Saleh Mohammadi executed?
Reports say he was convicted in Qom for the killing of a special units police officer during protest-related unrest in January 2026.
Did Saleh Mohammadi win medals in wrestling?
Yes. Multiple reports say he won a bronze medal at the 2024 Saitiev Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia.
Was there controversy around his case?
Yes. Human-rights reporting said he alleged torture and coercion, and critics raised concerns about due process and the speed of the proceedings.
When did Saleh Mohammadi die?
He died on 19 March 2026 in Qom, Iran, after being executed by hanging.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleh_Mohammadi
    Supports: Birth, death, wrestling identity, arrest, sentencing, and execution details.
  2. Wikipedia (Spanish)https://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saleh_Mohammadi
    Supports: Bronze medal claim, arrest date, death-sentence reporting, and execution context.
  3. BBC Newshttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9mzn7k722o
    Supports: Execution reporting, national wrestling squad membership, and protest-related murder conviction.
  4. The Chosun Ilbo (English)https://www.chosun.com/english/world-en/2026/03/21/XNZW3PCGCJAVPOO2RIQLKI3PXA/
    Supports: Wrestling background, medal claim, arrest context, and human-rights allegations.
  5. Newsweekhttps://www.newsweek.com/who-was-saleh-mohammadi-iran-teen-wrestling-champion-executed-11706698
    Supports: Execution, age, wrestling background, and protest-related conviction.
  6. Iran Human Rights Societyhttps://en.iranhrs.org/issuance-of-death-sentence-for-saleh-mohammadi-one-of-the-detainees-from-the-nationwide-protests-of-2025-2026/
    Supports: Death sentence, torture allegation, and protest-related case framing.