Iranian authorities raid private homes for ‘immorality’

More than 30 men have been arrested at a party in a private home in the Iranian city of Esfahan, Human Rights Watch reported Friday. The men have been accused of consensual homosexual conduct, drinking alcohol and other related ‘morals’ offenses.

Since their arrest in late February the men have been held without charge and without access to lawyers.

In May 2007 police raided another private party, arresting 87 people. Since then, police have intensified surveillance, harassment and abuse of people associated with those arrested or suspected of homosexuality.

According to the article, the last documented death sentences for consensual homosexual conduct in Iran were handed down in March 2005. It is not known whether they were carried out, but there is evidence of widespread patterns of arbitrary arrest and torture based on sexual orientation and gender identity.

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