LGBTQ rights activists given death sentence in Iran for spreading ‘corruption on Earth’
Two LGBTQ+ activists have been sentenced to death in Iran after being convicted of spreading ‘corruption on Earth’, human rights groups say.
Zahra Seddiqi Hamedani, 31, and Elham Choubdar, 24, went on trial in Urmia accused of promoting homosexuality and Christianity in the country.
They were also said to have communicated with media opposed to the Islamic Republic.
Mum-of-two Ms Seddiqi Hamedani was arrested in October last year as she tried to cross the Iranian border with Turkey to seek asylum, said Amnesty International.
Months earlier she had featured in a BBC documentary about LGBTQ+ abuses in the region.
Amnesty described her as a ‘gender non-conforming human rights defender’ who was detained ‘solely in connection with her sexual orientation, gender identity and social media posts and statements in defence of LGBT rights’.
Before seeking asylum, she posted a video in which she said: ‘I want you to know how much pressure we LGBTQ+ people endure.
‘We risk our lives for our emotions. I am journeying toward freedom now. If I don’t make it, I will have given my life for this cause.’
No details about Ms Choubdar were released by activist group Hengaw.
Last night, Iran confirmed the death sentences but said the pair were convicted of human trafficking offences not for their activism.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.