Iran Sentences Two LGBTQ+ Activists To Death
A rights group says Iran has sentenced two LGBTQ+ activists to death on charges of “corruption on earth through the promotion of homosexuality."
on Sunday, Hengaw Organization for Human Rights said that the verdict was issued by the Revolutionary Court of the city of Orumiyeh (Urmia), in West Azarbaijan province against Zahra Sedighi-Hamedani, known as Sareh, and Elham Choubdar. Another woman, Soheila Ashrafi, was involved in the joint case, but her verdict has not been issued yet, according to Iran International.
In July, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said Sedighi-Hamadani had also been charged with “trafficking Iranian women” to Erbil, in Iraqi Kurdistan, referring to her as Zahra Mansouri Hamedani. She was first arrested on charges linked to an appearance in a BBC documentary on gay rights in Iraqi Kurdistan.
She was arrested while trying to cross the border and seek asylum in Turkey on October 27, 2021. She was held in solitary confinement for 53 days when the Revolutionary Guard subjected her to intense interrogations, insulted her identity and appearance, threatened to execute her, and to take away custody of her children.
On January 16, Sareh was accused of “spreading corruption on earth,” including through "promoting homosexuality,” “communication with anti-Islamic Republic media channels,” and “promoting Christianity.”
Amnesty International appealed to Iran’s Chief Justice Gholamhossein Mohseni-Ejei, calling for their release.
Read related myGwork articles here:
Iran Executes A Gay Man Under Label Of Sodomy, Says Expert
Two Gay Men “Executed On Charges Of Sodomy” In Iranian Prison
Gay Iranian Rape Survivor Unable To Report Brutal Attack Due To Cruel Laws
Gay Man In Iran Brutally Murdered And Beheaded By Family In “Honour Killing”
LGBT+ History: The Story of Iran
Keep up to date with the latest myGnews
