Two homosexual men executed in Iran – a total of 47 executions in January
The Iranian regime has executed two homosexual men named Mehrdad Karimpour and Farid Mohammadi. This was reported by the Iranian Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA). They previously served six years on death row at Maragheh Prison in the northwest of the country.
According to HRANA, two gay men were executed in Maragheh as recently as last July. Iran killed a total of 299 people last year, it said. Homosexuality is illegal in Iran and, like rape, can carry the death penalty.
In the country, homosexuals face 100 lashes if they come out. If a couple is caught engaging in homosexual acts, then the death penalty can be imposed. It is not uncommon for those found guilty to be hung from cranes in public places in display executions.
Experts estimate that between 4000 and 6000 people have been executed for homosexual acts since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
The International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex Association (ILGA) lists a total of 69 UN member states where homosexuality is a crime in its report published in late 2020.
In six of these countries, the death penalty can be imposed for same-sex sex. In addition to Iran, these are Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Nigeria, Mauritania and the Kingdom of Brunei. In another five countries, including Afghanistan and Somalia, there is at least evidence that the death penalty is used, according to ILGA.
According to human rights groups, at least 47 people were executed in Iran for various offenses in January 2022.