Two LGBTQ+ women face threat of stoning by Taliban in Afghanistan
Two Afghan LGBTQ+ individuals—one a lesbian woman and the other a transgender woman—are reportedly facing the threat of torture, long-term imprisonment, or even execution at the hands of the Taliban, following their arrest at Kabul International Airport.
According to international media reports, Maryam Royesh, a 19-year-old lesbian woman, and Abdul Ghafour Saberi, a 23-year-old transgender woman who goes by her chosen name Mio Alcina Pisco, were detained by Taliban intelligence forces on March 20 as they attempted to flee Afghanistan. They were accompanied by Parvin Hosseini, Maryam’s girlfriend, who managed to escape and reach Iran.
Reports indicate that Taliban intelligence agents searched their phones at the airport and found content related to LGBTQ+ identity and activism. Based on this evidence, Maryam and Mio were arrested, while Parvin was released due to being accompanied by a man, which helped her avoid scrutiny and leave the country.
The Peter Tatchell Foundation, in collaboration with the Afghan LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Roshaniya, has sounded the alarm over the deteriorating situation. The organizations warn that the two women are at serious risk of being tortured or executed, potentially by stoning, under the Taliban’s harsh interpretation of Islamic law.
Nemat Sadat, Executive Director of Roshaniya, confirmed that both women have already been beaten in custody and may be subjected to further torture in an attempt to extract the names of other members of the Afghan LGBTQ+ community. Sadat added that the women could face long prison terms or death sentences if convicted.
“Maryam’s family rejected her sexual orientation and forced her into a marriage with a man. She tried to escape, and Mio risked everything to help her,” said Sadat.
Parvin Hosseini, who is now in Iran, released a video statement saying: “Maryam and Mio are still in Taliban custody and have been severely beaten. Mio’s family has made no effort to secure her release, and Maryam’s family has threatened to kill me.” She has called on international human rights organizations for immediate intervention, warning that both women could be stoned to death.
Mio’s sister, Susan Battaglia, who lives in the United States, expressed deep concern for her sibling’s safety. “Our family in Afghanistan is terrified. During Taliban interrogations, Mio reportedly admitted that she does not believe in Islam. Under Taliban law, apostasy is punishable by death.”
Human rights activists and advocacy groups are urging the international community to apply diplomatic pressure on the Taliban and facilitate the safe evacuation of Maryam and Mio from Afghanistan.
This case highlights the dire situation faced by LGBTQ+ individuals under Taliban rule, where expressions of identity can be met with brutal violence and legal persecution.
