6Rang, the Iranian Lesbian and Transgender Network, has reported that Elham Choubdar and Zahra ‘Sareh’ Seddighi Hamedani have had their appeal approved and their case sent to another court in Urmia for review.
The two LGBTQ+ activists, who are currently awaiting retrial in Urmia prison, were sentenced to death in September 2022 for ‘corruption on earth by encouraging homosexuality’.
6rang credits the international outpouring of support and outrage, as well as campaigns, in successfully creating pressure on the Iranian authorities to drop the death sentences.
“We are delighted to see the success of our campaigns and the acceptance of the appeal, but we need to work even harder to ensure the death charges are dropped and Sareh and Elham are freed,” says Shadi Amin, 6Rang’s executive director.
