top of page

Two LGBTQIA+ Activists Have Been Sentenced To Death In Iran

Writer's picture: Demi LynchDemi Lynch


Iran has sentenced two women to death for their LGBTQIA+ activism.


According to the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights, Zahra Seddiqi Hamedani, 31, and Elham Choubdar, 24, were found guilty of "spreading corruption" and promoting homosexuality.


However, the Iran’s judiciary claim the women are being sentenced for "human trafficking" offenses.


Both women were informed of this verdict while in prison in the town of Urmia.


Amnesty International says Seddiqi Hamedani has been detained "solely in connection with her real or perceived sexual orientation and gender identity." Source: BBC

Seddiqi Hamedani is a prominent Iranian LGBTI activist who was arrested in October after trying to seek asylum in Turkey.


During her time in prison she was held in solitary confinement for almost two months.


Before her arrest Seddiqi Hamedani shared a video on social media calling for freedom in Iran.


"I hope the day will come when we can all live in freedom in our country," she said, "I am journeying toward freedom now… if I don’t make it, I will have given my life for this cause."


Under Iranian law, sexual activity between same-sex partners is illegal.


Punishment fo such offences includes flogging and the death penalty.


 

© 2024. Kaleidoscope News

We pay our respects to the traditional custodians of the Meanjin land. We acknowledge that we are on the stolen lands of the Jagera and Turrbal people, whose sovereignty was never ceded.

bottom of page