Hana’s Correction Regarding the Killing of Mahshid (Majid), a Transgender Citizen in Sanandaj, and Concerns Over the Safety of the LGBTQIA+ Community
Hana Human Rights Organization wishes to inform its audience that, in a previous report concerning the killing of a member of the LGBTQIA+ community in Sanandaj, the victim was mistakenly identified as “Milad Nili.” According to additional information received by Hana, the deceased was a transgender citizen known as Mahshid (Majid; the family name has not yet been definitively confirmed).Hana sincerely apologizes to its audience, the victim’s family and relatives, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community for this error. The difficulty of obtaining accurate information under the highly securitized conditions in Kurdistan and the severe restrictions on the free flow of information contributed to this mistake. Nevertheless, Hana accepts full responsibility for the publication of inaccurate information.Hana has learned that Mahshid, a transgender citizen and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, was killed in the city of Sanandaj. To date, no precise and verifiable information has been made available regarding the circumstances of the crime, the identity of the perpetrator or perpetrators, the possible motive behind the killing, or the status of judicial proceedings. The silence and lack of transparency of governmental institutions in such cases increase concerns regarding impunity for perpetrators of violence.Hana strongly condemns the killing of Mahshid and emphasizes that the rights to life, human dignity, personal security, and equal protection under the law are fundamental rights of all human beings. No individual should be subjected to hatred, threats, violence, or physical elimination because of their gender identity, sexual orientation, appearance, lifestyle, or social affiliation.According to information received by Hana, there are concerns regarding the possible involvement of radical Salafi groups in this crime. Without prejudging the criminal responsibility of any specific individual or group, Hana issues a serious warning regarding the free and violent activities of extremist movements in Kurdistan. At a time when the Islamic Republic suppresses civil society, human rights defenders, women, youth, minorities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, the freedom of action enjoyed by hate-promoting and extremist groups cannot be considered normal or insignificant.The primary responsibility for this situation lies with the Islamic Republic of Iran, a system that not only fails to provide effective protection for the lives and dignity of its citizens but also, through legal discrimination, structural repression, the promotion of hatred, impunity for violence, and disregard for the security of vulnerable groups, creates the conditions for the recurrence of such crimes.Hana calls on the relevant authorities to conduct an immediate, independent, effective, and transparent investigation into Mahshid’s killing, to publicly disclose the findings, and to ensure that any individual or group involved in this crime is prosecuted in accordance with the principles of a fair trial.Hana Human Rights Organization expresses its deepest condolences to Mahshid’s family, friends, and loved ones. The organization once again stresses that the human dignity of members of the LGBTQIA+ community must be recognized and respected unconditionally. The continued existence of silence, impunity, and the unchecked activities of extremist groups increases the risk of similar acts of violence and further highlights the human rights responsibility of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
