Iran sentences two women to death for 'corruption on earth'

Iranian Women

Two women have been sentenced to death in Iran on charges of "corruption on earth" and human trafficking over the last few days, Iran's official IRNA news agency reported on Monday.

Advocates and rights groups took to social media to share pictures of the two women, saying they are LGBT rights activists and are innocent. Reuters could not verify the pictures.

"Contrary to news published online, the sentenced have deceived and trafficked young women and girls out of the country by promising them educational and work opportunities, thus leading to the suicide of several of their victims," IRNA said.

"Corruption on earth" is a term Iranian authorities use to refer to a broad range of offenses related to Islamic morals.

In March, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described homosexuality as part of a "moral deprivation" widespread in Western civilization.

Western rights groups have often criticized Iran for its treatment of LGBT issues. Under Iran's legal system, homosexual acts can be punished by the death penalty.

Reporting by Dubai Newsroom, Editing by William Maclean, Robert Birsel

REUTERS