European Union Condemns Death Sentences of Two Women in Iran That Allegedly To Be LGBT Activists

JAKARTA - The European Union on Tuesday condemned the death penalty imposed by Iran on two women, Elham Chubdar and Zahra Sedighi Hamedani, who advocates and human rights groups call LGBT activists, not guilty of any crimes.

"The European Union, as a principle, is fundamentally opposed to the death penalty at all times and in all circumstances, aiming to universally abolish it," said Peter Stano, spokesman for the EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell.

"The European Union also firmly opposes all forms of criminalization of sexual orientation and gender identity," he added.

In March, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of a widespread 'moral deprivation' in Western civilization.

Stano ensured that the European Union would continue to encourage the enforcement of human rights in the Republic of Iran.

"As part of our bilateral engagement with Iran, we will continue to urge the Iranian authorities to guarantee various basic rights for their citizens regardless of religion, belief, sexual orientation, or other status," he said.

Earlier, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported on September 5, two women had been sentenced to death on charges of 'corruption on earth' and human trafficking.

'Corruption on earth' is a term used by Iranian authorities to refer to various violations, including those related to the country's religious morals.

"Contrary to the news published online, convicts have deceived and trafficked young women and girls abroad by promising them educational and job opportunities, thus causing some of their victims to commit suicide," IRNA reported.

It is known that Western rights groups have often criticized Iran for its treatment of LGBT issues. Under Iran's legal system, homosexual acts are punishable by death.