Alireza Fazeli Monfared, 20, wanted to live as a free gay man in the West.
His family in Iran beheaded him days before his dream came true, activists say.
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Monfared was murdered on May 4 after his half-brother learned about his sexuality, the LGBTQ network @6rangiran told Insider.
He was seeking an exemption from Iran's compulsory military service so that he could claim asylum elsewhere.
insider.com/alireza-fazeli…
Monfared was an Arab-Iranian from Ahvaz, the capital of Iran's Khuzestan province. His family was wealthy, and his Instagram page shows a love of designer fashion.
He also enjoyed experimenting with makeup but felt unable to do so in public.
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The family's disapproval led to violent threats. "I have been threatened by my father's side of the family — murder and such," he said in another voice recording.
He planned to escape to Turkey mid-May and then, once there, to apply for asylum elsewhere.
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On May 4, Monfared prepared for departure, trying to sell his phone at a store.
Three male relatives — a half-brother and two cousins — were waiting for him in a car outside. They drove him to a rural village and allegedly murdered him with a knife.
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The 20-year-old's murder has sparked a global outcry, including social media posts by the likes of @ddlovato.
But Iranian human rights activists have said that it is emblematic of the daily persecution gay people in Iran face.
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Homosexuality is considered a psychological disease in Iran, and homophobia against LGBTQ people is widespread.
Jasmin Ramsey from @ICHRI said: "They have no means of redress for ... abuses because revealing their identity could get them prosecuted."
insider.com/alireza-fazeli…
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