The news was confirmed by the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights
BY ELEANOR NOYCE, IMAGE VIA PEXELS
Earlier this week, two LGBTQI activists were sentenced to death for “spreading corruption”, as reported by the Hengaw Organisation for Human Rights. A court in Urmia, northwest Iran, concluded that Zahra Seddiqi Hamedani and Elham Choubdar were “spreading corruption on earth”, accused of promoting homosexuality and communicating with media opposed to the Islamic Republic.
In October 2021, Zahra – also known as Sareh – was arrested by Iranian security forces whilst trying to flee to Turkey. A prominent LGBTQI activist, she was held in solitary confinement for almost two months.
“I hope the day will come when we can all live in freedom in our country. I am journeying toward freedom now…if I don’t make it, I will have given my life for this cause”, she stated in a video recorded before she attempted to leave the country.
Currently held in the women’s wing of Urmia Central Prison, Zahra and Elham’s death sentences were confirmed by Iran’s judiciary. In Iran, sexual activity between same-sex partners is illegal, punishable by either flogging or the death penalty.
Want to make your voice heard? Contact the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office via Twitter, Facebook or Instagram or visit their website here. You can also send an email to fcdo.correspondence@fcdo.gov.uk or call 020 7008 5000 if you’d like to understand what the UK Government is doing to protect and protest Zahra and Elham’s case.
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