Gay Iranian Asylum Seekers in Sweden
ILGA Email Action #98:5
Submitted By: Stig-Ake Petersson. RFSL’s asylum co-ordinator. Stockholm.
Background and Recommended Action: The Swedish government has earlier this year
settled an important asylum case concerning a gay man from Iran. In its decision the
government said that homosexuals do not risk persecution solely because of their sexual
orientation, but only if the practice their sexuality. The government further states the
death penalty for sodomy is no longer implemented in Iran. The asylum seeker was, however,
granted asylum in Sweden, as his case had received much international attention on the
Internet etc., and it could not be ruled out that the Iranian authorities had learnt of
his case.
This decision is of major importance to a further number of gay and lesbian Iranian
asylum seekers in Sweden, who currently are waiting for the authorities decision of there
cases. However, from a recent decision by The Aliens Appeals Board is was understood that
most of the gay Iranians will not be granted residence permits in Sweden, and that they
therefore will be forced to go back to Iran.
The Swedish Federation for Lesbian and Gay Rights (RFSL) is against this background
asking individuals and organisations to write letters of protests to the Ministry for
Foreign Affairs (UD) and The Aliens Appeals Board (Utlänningsnämnden).
Your support can save lives!
Direct your letters to (please refer to Case UN 98-05283):
Utlänningsnämnden
Box 45102
104 30 STOCKHOLM
Telefax: 08-30 15 39
and
Utrikesdepartementet
Pierre Schori
103 39 STOCKHOLM
Telefax: 08-723 11 76
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