Iran’s Former Hijab Enforcer Sentenced To 100 Lashes And Exile For Homos3xuality

An Iranian court has ordered Reza Seghati, previously the head of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Gilan province, to receive 100 lashes and face exile due to a highly publicized same-sex scandal that led to his removal from office.

Seghati was a prominent figure in upholding Iran’s stringent dress code policies. He was notorious for his uncompromising enforcement of the “chastity and hijab” laws, which have become stricter since Parliament enacted comprehensive legislation in 2023. This law imposes penalties of up to 15 years in prison and, in some cases, the death penalty for women who fail to comply with veil-wearing requirements. Authorities have utilized advanced surveillance tools, such as facial recognition on traffic cameras, to detect and penalize offenders.

According to Iranian media, including Ensaf News, the court convicted Seghati (also spelled Seqati) of “lavat tafkhizi,” a same-sex act defined under Iran’s Islamic penal code as non-penetrative sexual contact between men.

Reports indicate that both Seghati and another man featured in a leaked video were sentenced to 100 lashes and prison exile terms of one and two years, respectively.

Iran’s penal code mandates harsh punishments for same-sex relationships, including flogging and, for penetrative acts or repeated offenses, the death penalty.

Human rights organizations have consistently condemned these laws, but Iranian officials maintain they are upholding Islamic law.

The controversy erupted in July 2023 when a video emerged online, allegedly depicting Seghati in a sexual act with another man.

The leak resulted in his dismissal from his position and sparked a political uproar, given his prior role as a staunch advocate for Iran’s mandatory hijab regulations.

Ensaf News, referencing an image of the court’s judgment, also reported that the son of a former senior Gilan official received a 10-year prison sentence and exile for masterminding what authorities called a criminal network that used covertly recorded videos to undermine rivals.

Other individuals involved are reportedly still under investigation.

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Nnamdi Okoli