"I think their hate of homosexuality was so huge that they decided to kill him," she added. But when documentation for his exemption arrived, it was not Monfared who first opened the letter.Ī relative opened his mail and read information confirming Monfared's sexuality, Amin continued. Monfared's exemption was close to being approved and he was planning to flee imminently, Amin said. "Homosexuality is also considered a psychological disease in Iran and the military's military board can exempt a gay man from service if they are deemed homosexual after an examination," she added. "Those who have special conditions can get an exemption if they have a particular illness, or a missing limb, or other physical issues," Jasmin Ramsey, communications director for the Center for Human Rights in Iran, told Insider.
While being gay is forbidden in Iran and punishable by death, the law allows gay men to forgo military service. Homosexuality is considered a psychological disease in Iran "He was not ready to continue this conflict with his family," she added.īut to leave Iran, the young man first had to receive his military exemption. He planned to escape to Turkey mid-May and then, once there, to apply for asylum elsewhere, Amin said.
"I'm wondering whether I should go to Sweden or Noway," he explained in one of the audio messages. Monfared dreamt of fleeing Iran and starting a new life in Europe. "I have been threatened by my father's side of the family - murder and such," he said in another voice recording. A post shared by ?alireza? family's disapproval led to violent threats from relatives.