Gay Iranian Woman seeks asylum in the UK

by Lillian Hellman Mon Aug 27, 2007 14:37

Dear Ambassador

I am horrified to learn that gays and lesbians are regarded as criminals in Iran and are subjected to brutal punishment there. I am also horrified that any human or indeed animal should be subjected to the punishments that are allowed in your country. Among these are: flogging, stoning to death, throwing off a cliff with hands and feet bound, "execution" and throwing into a fire.

Even having to type out these shocking and loathful terms disgusts and nauseates me. What then of the people who carry them out, and even more blameworthy in my opinion, the people who sanction them?

If religion is being blamed, I ask what has religion descended unto, when human or animal life is regarded as being so unsacred and "punishment" is so unethical.

As someone who is totally opposed to both the invasion of Iraq and the threatened undermining of the independence of Iran, I would be the first on the streets to protest if your country were invaded by the US or such coalitions. My reasons for such protest would be, as always, to shout Stop to the killing and maiming and torture of humans by the bombs or weapons of a mighty power. It would be to shelter the children, the women and the weak in your society, as well as the men, from murder and torture and death.

How could I therefore not shout STOP to the extreme cruelty that exists in Iran in peacetime towards these same men women and children?

I ask you, Mr Ambassador, to ask your President to change the terrible laws, to outlaw the punishments mentioned above, to reflect on the inhuman horror of what is being done to humans in the name of religion and how it reflects so badly on both the religion itself and the Government that interprets it in such a non-loving manner.

With best personal wishes

Justin Morahan

by pat c Thu Sep 13, 2007 20:36

Great news, Pegah is out of prison but the struggle continues.

Pegah released from UK detention (September 11, 2007)

We have some good news at last! Pegah was granted bail this morning, is now out of Yarls Wood Detention Centre and back with people who will love and care for her. The Court of Appeal has also agreed to hear her case. It will be listed within the next couple of weeks and will be heard sometime in the next few months, we believe.
There are also other actions that we know are being taken on her behalf, by influential organizations at a high level in the UK. We really don't think that we would have got this far without the fantastic work you have put in supporting Pegah. She is truly grateful and gives her heartfelt thanks to you all - as do we. It is impossible to overstate the value of your support.

This does not mean that Pegah is out of the woods but she is now in a much more hopeful position. As you will understand Pegah needs time to recover from the ordeal of the past few weeks. She also needs to get back in touch with the ordinary business of living her life in some peace and tranquility. We will keep you updated as events develop.

Friends of Pegah Campaign
c/o Victoria Hall Methodist Church
Norfolk Street, Sheffield S1 2JB, UK
email: admin@assistsheffield.org.uk

by kal-el Fri Sep 14, 2007 01:08

Why is this woman being deported? The Iranian Government is being attacked yet it is the british Government who is deporting her.

Should letters of reproach not be addressed to the government who as it stands has an input into this womans immediate destiny?

More false flags, more impudent reactionary rhetoric.

by pat c Fri Sep 14, 2007 10:05

she is under threat of deportation because she is "illegally" present in Britain. if she is deported to Iran she is in danger of being executed. Why? Because she is a Lesbian.

Justin Morahan is a respected Anti War and Human Rights actvist. Perhaps kal-el is suggesting that Justin is operating under a false flag.