The execution of Navid Afkari has led to international reactions from political and human rights figures. Many international sports bodies have also expressed shock from the execution of the young Iranian wrestler.

It was reported that Afkari’s body was buried Saturday night under heavy security measures. 

An hour after the execution of Afkari was reported, the International Olympic Committee released a statement expressing regret over the execution of the wrestling champion.

In recent days, a massive online campaign had begun by human rights and sports organizations to prevent Afkari’s execution, with even President Trump urging the leaders of the Islamic Republic to stop the execution.

The statement released by the International Olympic Committee says Afkari's execution has shocked this committee. The statement also mentions letters written by the president of the committee, Thomas Bach, to the leader of the Islamic Republic Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani asking for the pardon of Afkari “with respect to the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic”.

The committee expresses sympathy with Afkari’s family and friends.

The United World Wrestling also released a statement saying: "It is deeply upsetting that the pleas of athletes from around the world and all the behind the scene work of United World Wrestling and the National Iranian Wrestling Federation, the IOC together with the NOC of Iran did not achieve our goal.”

“The news is devastating and the entire wrestling community mourns his death,” the statement continued.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted: “The Iranian regime's execution of Navid Afkari is a vicious and cruel act. We condemn it in the strongest terms. It is an outrageous assault on human dignity, even by the despicable standards of this regime. The voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced."

The European Union also strongly condemned the execution of Navid Afkari and said it opposes any execution under any circumstances.

The US ambassador to the UN also tweeted: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Navid Afkari. We condemn the Iranian regime’s continued and audacious disregard for human life. The voices of the Iranian people will not be silenced.”