August 6
SWEDEN:
Sweden allows gay Iranians asylum in light of executions
Sweden is reviewing its asylum policy for gay Iranians after 2 teenagers
were executed in northeastern Iran on charges of involvement in homosexual
acts, immigration authorities said Friday. The decision means a temporary
freeze on deportations of gay Iranians who have been denied asylum in
Sweden, officials said. The hangings last month of the 2 teens prompted
protests from gay rights activists in Sweden, who called on their
government to immediately stop all deportations of gay asylum-seekers to
Iran.
The Scandinavian nation grants asylum to people who face persecution in
their home countries, but current regulations don't recognize gays as a
persecuted group in Iran. "We will examine more closely whether there is
reason to look differently at the matter," said Migration Board
spokeswoman Ulla Petersson Imnell. She said all pending deportations of
gay Iranians would be put on hold as Swedish authorities investigate the
situation of gays in Iran. She would not say how many people the decision
affects.
The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, and Transgender Rights welcomed
the government's decision. "I am pleased, but it has been a long time
coming," said the group's chairman, Soren Andersson. "Also, this is not
just an Iranian issue; there have recently been gay people refused asylum
from Nigeria, Uganda, and Pakistan. They have been sent back to their
countries, and we do not know what has happened to them."
Mahmoud Asgari, 16, and Ayaz Marhoni, 18, were hanged publicly on July 19
in the Iranian city of Mashhad on charges of raping younger boys. Marhoni
was a minor when he was arrested. The 2 teens were held in prison for 14
months, during which time they received lashings.
(source: The Advocate)
