The public execution sentence for a 19-year-old wrestler in Qom has once again brought the judicial proceedings in security cases under scrutiny. According to exclusive information published by Iran International, the Criminal Court of Qom Province has sentenced Saleh Mohammadi to "public execution at Nabovat Square in Qom by hanging" on charges of "premeditated murder" [1].
In the initial ruling obtained by this media, it is stated that on the evening of January 7, 2026, a group threw "Molotov cocktails" at the special forces of the police in Nabovat Square, Qom. During this confrontation, Mohammad Qasemi Hamapour, a special forces officer, was killed after falling from his motorcycle due to "stabbing with a knife and sword." The forensic report indicates 29 injuries on the body of the deceased, with injury number 7 identified as the cause of death [1].
The court attributed this injury to "Saleh Mohammadi's knife" and declared that its basis of confidence was "confessions obtained during interrogation." However, Saleh Mohammadi has denied the murder charge, stating that his confessions were obtained under duress. Furthermore, according to reports, surveillance camera footage does not show his face at the scene [1][2].
According to acquaintances of this athlete, he was at his uncle's house at the time of the incident, but the court has refrained from summoning witnesses. Coaches, teammates, and national team members have also emphasized that Saleh never carried cold weapons [1][2].
At the same time, the court has relied on the testimony of individuals whose identities were not disclosed in the issued ruling to issue the death sentence. Saleh Mohammadi's family has also stated that despite repeated efforts to select and introduce an independent lawyer, the court has refused to accept their proposed lawyers and appointed a court-appointed lawyer for the case [1].
Saleh Mohammadi, born on March 10, 2007, is a member of the Iranian national freestyle wrestling team who won a bronze medal at the Saytiev International Cup in Krasnoyarsk, Russia, in September 2024 [1]. According to the court ruling, this sentence is subject to appeal [2].
In addition to the death sentence, the court has also ordered him to pay compensation for the injuries [1].
Professional Background: Wrestler, National Freestyle Wrestling Team Member of Iran
