The Taliban have arrested two prominent LGBTQ activists from Afghanistan: Maryam Ravish, a lesbian, and Maeve Alcina Pieescu, a trans woman. Activists fear they will be forced to name others and may be executed under strict Sharia law.
Maryam (19) and Maeve (23) had planned to escape Kabul on 20 March 2025, together with Maryam’s partner, Parwen Hussaini (20), on a Mahan Airlines flight to Iran. They were being assisted by Roshaniya, an Afghan LGBTQ+ organisation dedicated to the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. According to the Peter Tatchell Foundation, the three were attempting to travel safely to Iran, with the ultimate goal of escaping to Europe. However, during a security check at the airport, they were detained by the Taliban’s intelligence unit. During their interrogation, their phones were searched, and LGBTQ-related content was discovered. “Maeve and Maryam were beaten badly by the Taliban,” said Nemat Sadat, CEO of Roshaniya. “They are likely to be tortured to reveal the names of other LGBTQ+ people and risk a long prison sentence or possibly execution.”
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