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As jhay recently wrote about, Iran is set to execute an 18-year-old for sodomy. This is terrible, but what makes it worse is that the young man, Ebrahim Hamidi, did not do what he has been charged with.
From The Observer:
Hamidi was arrested two years ago in the suburbs of the western city of Tabriz in the East Azerbaijan province after a fight with members of another family. Three of his friends were also involved in the incident and were subsequently arrested. Later, the four were accused of homosexual assault on a man and for attempting to abuse him sexually.It is atrocious that Iran would sentence a young man to death for what they call sodomy, but to do so even after the alleged victim has admitted that he was lying is worse. Iran is so homophobic that even an admitted lie about a homosexual act is enough for them to end a life. How can they hold the lives of their citizens with so little regard? How can they have so little regard for a human life, even if they don’t like how those people live their lives?
… After three days in detention, Hamidi confessed to the crime, allegedly under torture. The other three were cleared of all charges when promised by officialsthat they would be freed if they testified against Hamidi.
However, last month Hamidi’s alleged victim admitted that he had been under pressure from his parents to make false accusations. Nevertheless the local judiciary has insisted that Hamidi should be executed.
The government of Iran is homophobic. They are willing to kill their own people on what they know to be false charges.
Please, for the life of Ebrahim Hamidi, and for the lives of the LGBTQ population of Iran who refuse to live in hiding, spread the word. Make sure as many people as possible know Ebrahim Hamidi’s name and what is about to happen to him. With any luck, we can make a difference.
One thing you can do right now is add your name to Change.org’s letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, asking her to “Stop Gay Executions in Iran.” As I write this, over 660 people have already signed the petition. We need more names.
To read more about the case, and to learn more about homosexuality and homophobia in Iran, check out this very informative summary by the Iranian Queer Organization and the Human Rights House of Iran.
~ Samantha
Community Editor
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