Guardian

Eighteen-year-old Ebrahim Hamidi is facing execution in Iran on charges of homosexuality, even though he has no lawyer and is not gay, thereported Monday. Hamidi was sentenced to death for sodomy based on "judge's knowledge," whereby a judge can use his discretion to decide on a case in which no conclusive evidence exists.

Guardian

Hamidi allegedly confessed to the crime under torture. Last month, the purported victim of the crime admitted he had been coerced into making false accusations by his parents. Three alleged accomplices of Hamidi were aquitted after they agreed to testify against Hamidi in court, thesaid.

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Guardian.

Hamidi's lawyer Mohammed Mostafaei, credited with saving 50 people from execution over the course of his career, was forced to flee the country after he sparked international controversy over another client, Sakineh Mohammadi Ashtiani, who was sentenced to death by stoning for adultery, according to the

Homosexuality can be punished by lashing, hanging, or stoning in Iran, depending on the seriousness of the offense. A rape victim can be lashed as well if he "enjoyed" the experience.

Guardian

Guardian

Attorney Mohammed Mostafaei fled to Turkey, where he was arrested briefly before being freed by EU officials, thesaid. He plans to continue his work from exile to Norway, where he has obtained a visa. Mostafaei's wife was recently arrested after Mostafaei refused to report to Evin prison for questioning, but was later released, according to the