Mohammad Javad Wa Paithani, boxer and Iranian political prisoner, sentenced to death, won the 2026 "Magnitsky" human rights activist award.
🔸 He is facing a death sentence by the judicial system of the Republic of Salami on charges of corruption in the world and membership in the Popular Mujahideen Organization.
Mr. Vafaithani, who was arrested for participating in nationwide wiretapping in November 2018, denied the allegations.
According to published information about his case, after he was arrested, Paitani faced physical and mental torture, prolonged solitary confinement and threats of execution.
The Magnitsky Awards are named after Sergei Magnitsky, a Russian lawyer; who died in Russian police custody after uncovering a massive government corruption scheme.
These awards were founded in 2015 with the aim of recognizing courageous journalists, politicians and activists in the field of human rights.