Degenerate Democrats
2009-11-10 02:46:48 UTC
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2009/11/09/three-iranian-men-on-death-
row-for-homosexuality-offences-2/
Three Iranian men are thought to be facing the death penalty for
having homosexual relations.
The men, named as Nemat Safavi, Mehdi P and Moshen G, have been
on death row for three years and allegedly committed the crimes
while under the age of 18.
Under Iranian law, homosexuality (lavat) is "punishable by death
so long as both the active and passive partners are mature, of
sound mind, and have acted of free will".
Campaigners say this not only conflicts with reports of the men
being underage at the time of the offences but is also a gross
violation of international law, which forbids, under any
circumstance, the execution of juvenile offenders.
While not much is known about the other two men, Safavi's case
was known to Amnesty International in September last year and he
is currently on the organisation's list of minors tried and
awaiting execution in Iran.
It is thought that Mehdi P and Moshen G denied the charges
against them and no witnesses were found. Safavi was arrested at
the age of 16 in 2006 and tried by a court in Ardebil, where he
is being held.
A date has not been set for their executions, but according to
Human Rights Watch, their lawyers believe it could happen any
day.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and north Africa director at
Human Rights Watch, said: "Killing people for what they did as
children is wrong and repellent, and killing them for alleged
homosexual conduct is just as wrong and repellent.
"The Iranian government has flouted its most basic human rights
obligations in allowing these cruel death sentences."
Amnesty International spokesman Steve Ballinger told
PinkNews.co.uk that the organisation had been unable to confirm
what Safavi's current situation was and had no further
information.
Ballinger said: "His case is still under review by the Supreme
Court but we do not believe he is at an immediate risk of
execution."
He added: "Some activists have suggested that his lawyer has
warned that publicity may have an adverse effect on his case. We
would not take action at this stage but would issue an urgent
appeal if a decision is made."
According to Human Rights Watch, Iran executes more minors than
any other country.
Give the queers a choice. Be recognized and treated for mental
illness, or get hung.
row-for-homosexuality-offences-2/
Three Iranian men are thought to be facing the death penalty for
having homosexual relations.
The men, named as Nemat Safavi, Mehdi P and Moshen G, have been
on death row for three years and allegedly committed the crimes
while under the age of 18.
Under Iranian law, homosexuality (lavat) is "punishable by death
so long as both the active and passive partners are mature, of
sound mind, and have acted of free will".
Campaigners say this not only conflicts with reports of the men
being underage at the time of the offences but is also a gross
violation of international law, which forbids, under any
circumstance, the execution of juvenile offenders.
While not much is known about the other two men, Safavi's case
was known to Amnesty International in September last year and he
is currently on the organisation's list of minors tried and
awaiting execution in Iran.
It is thought that Mehdi P and Moshen G denied the charges
against them and no witnesses were found. Safavi was arrested at
the age of 16 in 2006 and tried by a court in Ardebil, where he
is being held.
A date has not been set for their executions, but according to
Human Rights Watch, their lawyers believe it could happen any
day.
Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East and north Africa director at
Human Rights Watch, said: "Killing people for what they did as
children is wrong and repellent, and killing them for alleged
homosexual conduct is just as wrong and repellent.
"The Iranian government has flouted its most basic human rights
obligations in allowing these cruel death sentences."
Amnesty International spokesman Steve Ballinger told
PinkNews.co.uk that the organisation had been unable to confirm
what Safavi's current situation was and had no further
information.
Ballinger said: "His case is still under review by the Supreme
Court but we do not believe he is at an immediate risk of
execution."
He added: "Some activists have suggested that his lawyer has
warned that publicity may have an adverse effect on his case. We
would not take action at this stage but would issue an urgent
appeal if a decision is made."
According to Human Rights Watch, Iran executes more minors than
any other country.
Give the queers a choice. Be recognized and treated for mental
illness, or get hung.