Gayasylumuk Media Statement

GAY ASYLUM UK MEDIA STATEMENT

- MADHI KAZEMI -

12 March 2008

Our hearts, with those of thousands across the globe, go out to Madhi Kazemi.

The Judge has ruled that the Dutch Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND) can honour the British government's request for his return to the UK, under the Dublin Treaty and all we can now do is await his arrival back to the UK within a few days. We still hope that the British government will not deport Madhi back to Iran but reconsider his case and grant him Asylum based on

* his sexuality and on
* Iran's stance on the subject and proven record of violating human rights by torture, persecution and execution of known homosexuals.

The British government can no longer hide behind its stance that Homosexuals are free in Iran as long as they are discreet, for they, via our own MP's and published in The Times, have been told by a senior Iranian Minister that all homosexuals will be executed.

However, Britain's Home Office told CNN in a written statement that it does not believe that homosexuals are routinely persecuted purely on the basis of their sexuality.

His sexuality has never been in doubt and the Home Office stance that homosexuals are safe in Iran is no different than to say that Ann Franks was safe from the Nazis as long as she hid in the attic, during WWII.

The Iranian president himself said and confirmed that Iran has no homosexuals.

If necessary a legal challenge shall be instigated in the UK and the European Court of Human Rights to prevent Madhi's deportation.

If Britain claims to be the champions of democracy and compassion, this is a time to prove that these are not just ideal words.

The challenge and fight to save Madhis life has only just begun and must be pursued for the sake of decency and humanity.

Just how many more gay Iranians are meant to die before the British government takes action and shows to the world that this genocide must be stopped?

OMAR KUDDUS
GAYASYLUM.