Two LGBTQIA+ Activists Sentenced To Death In Iran For Promoting Homosexuality
On Monday, September 4, the human rights organisation Hengaw released a report that details the detainment and sentencing of two LGBTQIA+ activists in Iran. Zahra Sediqi Hamedani, known as Sareh, and Elham Chubdar were sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court Of Urmia.
THE SITUATION
The two women are being held at Urmia Central Prison after being apprehended for the crimes of “Corruption on Earth” through “promoting homosexuality”, “promoting Christianity”, and “communicating with the media opposing the Islamic Republic”, reports Hengaw.
According to The Jerusalem Post, Iran’s regime has executed between 4,000 and 6,000 gays and lesbians since the nation’s Islamic revolution in 1979. In the tweet above, a video of Zahra Sediqi Hamedani shows her moments prior to being arrested at the border of Turkey. She says, “I wanted you to understand that, we the LGBTQIA+ community in Iran, under so much pressure. We sacrifice our lives for our emotions, but reach a deep understanding of ourselves.”
Amnesty International released a campaign in which they say, “LGBTQIA+ people in Iran face systematic violence, persecution, and discrimination. Iranian law requires gender non-conforming people to undergo gender reassignment surgery and sterilisation. Iranian law also criminalises same-sex sexual conduct.”
After her arrest, Sareh experienced torture at the hands of the Revolutionary Guard during intense interrogations where she reportedly was confined in solitary for 53 days, insulted and threatened with execution.
In her last video, Sareh says, “I hope the day comes where all of us can live free in our country.”
