On May 4, a 20-year old Iranian man, Alireza Fazeli Monfared was killed by his family in a so-called “honor killing” because of his sexual orientation.
Monfared had been interested in fashion, fitness and esthetics and hoped to be granted refuge in Europe because of his sexuality.
Alireza was described as “lively” and “very happy” by his partner Aghil Bayal. The two were meant to unite in Turkey last week for a trip Alireza booked in hopes of eventually seeking entry into a European country as an LGBTQ refugee. He had also been in contact with the Iranian queer activist Arsham Parsi, who heads the International Railroad for Queer Refugees (IRQR) through the social media app Clubhouse. Parsi said Alireza had complained about familial and societal pressure but didn’t go as far as saying that his life was being threatened.
Under Islamic law, same-sex relationships are outlawed and can be punished by death. Although military service is required for young Iranian men, LGTB people are not allowed to serve because their sexuality or gender identity is considered to be a mental disorder. Alireza was outed through his discharge when his half-brother discovered Alireza’s military service exemption card. The Iranian Lesbian and Transgender network 6rang has previously warned of the danger of this type of exemption, which depends on the arbitrary judgements of an officer.
On May 4, Alireza was taken to the village of Borumi and beheaded by his half-brother and male cousins before he could make his trip to Turkey. The group called Alireza’s mother to notify her of where the body was left and she has since been hospitalized due to shock and the murderers were arrested.
Queer Iranians are often subjected to violence and abuse oftentimes coming from family members—3 in 5 LGBTQ Iranians claim to have been assaulted by a family member in their lifetime.
Parsi, the activist in previous contact with Alireza, has spoken out about the tragic event and explained that the only way to prevent “honor killings” and other acts of extreme homophobia like this from occurring is to expand education around sexuality.