A lesbian filmmaker and activist from Iran has said she fears for her life after being refused asylum in the UK.

Kiana Firouz fled for England after she claimed Iranian intelligence agents began following her and intimidating her in her hometown of Tehran.

She says this was the result of her video documentary work about the persecution of gays and lesbians in Iran.

Lesbian sex is considered a crime in Iran, punishable by 100 lashes. If the person is punished three times for the ‘act’, then the death sentence can be applied.

Iran’s government insists homosexuality does not exist, instead referring to its 3,000 “patients with sexual orientation complications”.

Firouz, who is behind the video documentary Cul de Sac, said her aim is to increase awareness of the plight of lesbians in her country through media.

A petition has been set up to put pressure on the UK government to repeal the Home Office’s decision, made last month. To sign the petition, click here. It currently has more than 16,000 signatures.

Alternatively, email the British Home Office at public.enquiries@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.

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