Iran sentences LGBTQ activists to death for 'human trafficking'
NBCNov 25, 2022
The Facts
On Mon., official state media reported that Iran sentenced two women to death on charges of "corruption on earth" and human trafficking, sparking widespread condemnation.
"Corruption on earth" often refers to actions contrary to Islamic morals. Authorities accuse the women, Zahra Sedighi and Elham Chobdar, of exploiting young women. International human rights groups, however, describe the two women as LGBTQ rights activists.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Yet again the Islamic Republic has shown that it's one of the worst places in the world for human rights. Members of the LGBTQ community, religious minorities, and women are all targets of the regime. Neither the Islamic Republic's behavior nor its regime should be normalized by Western governments.
Establishment-critical narrative
Iran's ability to conduct law enforcement and security operations must be viewed within the context of external agitation and propaganda from Western powers. Western nations often exploit subversive or illegal activity under so-called "human rights." Tehran's law enforcement and judicial processes should be given the benefit of the doubt, and the West must stop meddling in its internal affairs.
