Iran drops death penalty for brave gender equality activists

This monumental campaign led to a victorious overturn of their sentences and marked a significant win for justice and LGBT+ rights.

Zahra Sedighi-Hamadani, also known as Sareh, and Elham Choubdar stood up for what's right and paid a heavy price. Their arrest in October 2021 for trying to seek asylum and finding a safe place to live turned the spotlight on the risks LGBT+ activists face in Iran.

Charged with "spreading corruption on earth" among other unfounded accusations, including promoting homosexual propaganda and collaborating with international media, they faced the grim prospect of the death penalty.

But we didn’t stay silent. When 6Rang and ILGA Asia started a petition on All Out’s Megaphone platform to demand justice, over 150,000 people from all corners of the globe stepped up. Our collective voice was so powerful that it pushed for a second chance in court for Sareh and Elham.

And we did it! On December 29, 2022, the unjust death sentences were cancelled. The continued pressure and advocacy led to their release on bail on 20th March 2023. And by the end of 2023, Sareh has even found a new home in a country where she can live freely and safely with her children.

This victory isn’t just about two people; it’s a huge win for everyone who believes in love, justice, and equality. It shows what we can do when we come together and support each other.

Feeling inspired? Join our ranks as an Equality Champion and help All Out continue to fight for love and equality.