Supporters of the Iranian Resistance and political prisoners organize celebrations in Tehran, Karaj, Ahvaz, and Rasht, honoring the boxing champion as a symbol of courage and defiance against dictatorship.
Resistance Units, supporters of the People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), and political prisoners in several Iranian cities have celebrated the 2026 Magnitsky Award presented to political prisoner Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani.
The activities, held on November 13, 2026 (22 Aban 1405), included photo campaigns, flower deliveries, and the distribution of posters congratulating Vafaei Sani on the international recognition. Participants also extended their congratulations to all political prisoners who continue to resist the Iranian regime despite imprisonment and threats of execution.
The campaign took place in Tehran, Shahr-e Qods, Karaj, Ahvaz, and Rasht, turning the award into an occasion to highlight the courage of political prisoners and their determination not to submit to dictatorship.
Tehran and Shahr-e Qods: Flowers honor Vafaei Sani
In Tehran, supporters presented flower baskets bearing congratulatory messages to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a boxing champion and political prisoner.
The messages read: “Dear Mohammad Javad, congratulations on receiving the 2026 Magnitsky Award,” and “Congratulations to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani on the 2026 Magnitsky Award.”
In Shahr-e Qods, a flower basket accompanied by his photograph carried a message of congratulations signed by Shiva and Mehdi Vafaei, expressing solidarity with the imprisoned athlete.
Karaj: Honoring courage in the face of oppression
In Karaj, supporters organized photo campaigns emphasizing Vafaei Sani’s courage and refusal to bow to oppression.
Their messages declared:
“Honor belongs to those who do not bow their heads before oppressors. Congratulations to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, a symbol of resistance, courage, and determination.”
The campaign described the award as recognition not only of an individual but also of the spirit of resistance embodied by political prisoners who refuse to surrender their convictions.
Ahvaz: Political prisoners at Sheiban Prison send congratulations
In Ahvaz, political prisoners held at Sheiban Prison organized a photo campaign congratulating Vafaei Sani on receiving the 2026 Magnitsky Award.
Their message read: “We congratulate dear Mohammad Javad on receiving the 2026 Magnitsky Award.”
The gesture carried particular significance because it came from fellow prisoners who themselves face the consequences of resisting the regime.
Rasht: The award honors resistance against every form of dictatorship
Rasht witnessed an extensive series of activities featuring Vafaei Sani’s photograph and messages celebrating his recognition.
Supporters described him as both a boxing champion and a champion of resistance against dictatorship. One of their messages stated:
“Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani is a boxing coach and a trainer in resistance against every form of dictatorship, whether monarchical or clerical. Salute to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, boxing champion and champion of resistance and steadfastness against dictatorship.”
Other messages emphasized that the recognition should be celebrated by all political prisoners who remain committed to their principles.
One declaration read: “Congratulations to Mohammad Javad and all political prisoners who remain steadfast in their convictions. Salute to Mohammad Javad Vafaei Sani, boxing champion and champion of resistance and steadfastness against dictatorship.”
Supporters distributed posters, displayed photographs, and published commemorative boards carrying these messages throughout the city.
An international recognition becomes a symbol of political resistance
The celebrations across these cities highlighted the broader significance attached to Vafaei Sani’s international recognition by supporters of the Iranian Resistance.
A former boxing champion and coach, Vafaei Sani has become a symbol of steadfastness among political prisoners facing the regime’s repression. His recognition has also provided an opportunity to draw attention to the situation of other prisoners who continue to resist despite imprisonment and threats.
By celebrating the award inside Iran, Resistance Units, supporters of the PMOI, and political prisoners transformed an international honor into a message of solidarity and defiance.
Their central message was that courage cannot be imprisoned and that resistance to dictatorship transcends individual cases.
The campaign also reaffirmed the Iranian Resistance’s rejection of both monarchical and clerical authoritarianism, emphasizing that the struggle is for a free Iran based on democracy and popular sovereignty.
The congratulations from Tehran, Karaj, Ahvaz, and Rasht carried one common message: honor belongs to those who refuse to bow to dictatorship.