U.S. Will Deport Gay Iranian Where He May Face the Death Penalty

The U.S. ratified the United Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment in 1992 stating, "It is the policy of the United States not to: expel, extradite, or otherwise effect the involuntary return of any person to a country in which there are substantial grounds for believing the person would be in danger of being subjected to torture, regardless of whether the person is physically present in the United States."

Homosexuality is considered a criminal act in Iran, punishable by lashing, hanging, stoning, cutting in half by sword, and other heinous methods of torture. If the U.S. deports Hassan Parhizkar, he is sure to face cruel and inhumane treatment, very possibly ending in his death.

If you wish to protest Hassan Parhizkar 's threatened deportation from the U.S., sign the online IRQO petition on his behalf. Organizations wishing to join the campaign to stop Parhizkar’s deportation should contact his lawyer, Parastoo G. Zahedi, by e-mail at PGZLAW@aol.com, by phone at 703-448-0111, or by fax at 703-448-5552.

Also, check out Gays Without Borders -- An informal network of international GLBT grassroots activists working to make the world a safer place for GLBT people, and for full GLBT equality in all aspects of legal and social life