Iranian LGBTI+ activist was released from prison

Iranian LGBTI+ activist Sareh, after the annulment of her death sentence on December 2nd, has arrived safely in a secure country. She expresses her gratitude to all LGBTI+ activists who supported her on this challenging journey to freedom. Sareh commends the global community for supporting the LGBTI+ movement, its activists, and the #FreeSareh campaign.

The 6Rang (Iran Lesbian and Trans Network) issued the following statement after Sareh's release:

"In 2021, Sareh was arrested by the Revolutionary Guards in the northwest of Iran, on the border of Urmia. She was engaged in advocacy for the rights related to her sexual identity on social media. She was sent to the Grand Inquisitor of Branch 6 of Urmia People's and Revolutionary Court, where she faced charges of 'promoting homosexuality,' 'maintaining connections with anti-Islamic networks,' and 'preaching Christianity.'

"After an extensive campaign led by 6Rang, with the support of the international community, including global LGBT+ organizations, as well as politicians and artists, Sareh's death sentence was revoked, and she was released.

"Sareh's freedom and safety mark a significant victory for the LGBT+ movement in Iran. This victory demonstrates that we should never surrender to inhumane decisions and must make every effort to resist the violation of our rights. On a global scale, raising our voices and utilizing international human rights mechanisms may be beneficial in exerting pressure to stop the crimes committed by the Islamic Republic.

"We take pride in the fact that, together with the global community, the Iranian LGBT+ movement has achieved its goal, and Sareh can now live freely with her loved ones in a democratic country."