A young man was beheaded by his own brother and cousins because of his sexuality.
20-year-old Fazeli Monfared from Iran had applied for exemption from military service because he was gay.
But his brother and two cousins lured him into a vehicle before they carried out the horrific murder.
The three culprits reportedly left Fazeli’s body under a palm tree before calling his mother with the devastating news.
According to reports, the victim had been planning to go to Turkey to be with his partner only days before his tragic death.
Fazeli’s brother and cousins have been arrested are likely to be charged with murder, 6Rang, an Iranian LGBT+ organization, said.
The organization said that Fazeli had been murdered over his military exemption, which can indicate homosexuality to officials.
“Unfortunately, in Alireza’s case, this selection cost him his life,” they said in a statement. “Alireza’s mother is, understandably, in a state of shock.
“She is suffering an immense amount of grief because of the death of her only child, and has been hospitalised as a result.”
Partner Aghil Abyat told IranWire that the victim spoke to his mother on the phone for the last time on Tuesday.
“Nothing is more difficult than to expect to see somebody you love in a few days, and suddenly you hear he is dead,” he expressed.
“Nothing is more difficult than to never be able to see him, or hear his voice, forever.
“This is an excruciating pain that will remain in my heart to the end of time.”
Fazeli is not the only one murdered by their own relatives because of sexuality. According to reports, many gay people’s lives were taken in ‘honor killings’ carried out by their loved ones who believe their sexuality brings shame.
Human rights lawyer Gissou Nia took to Twitter and wrote: “RIP Alireza Fazeli Monfared. Brutally killed and disposed of by his family because of his sexuality.
“Cultural attitudes in society towards homosexuality are a literal life or death problem. What compounds the problem is when the laws of a state do not provide any protection.”
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