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Afghan LGBT Rights Activists Detained, Facing Severe Persecution Under Taliban Rule
Tragedy befalls two young LGBT rights activists in Afghanistan, as they face potential torture and stoning by the Taliban after being detained while attempting to flee the country. Maryam Ravish, 19, and Maeve Alcina Pieescu, 23, were apprehended as they sought to escape the harsh regime known for its brutal treatment of LGBT individuals.
Detention During Escape Attempt
Maryam, a lesbian, planned to seek refuge in Iran with her partner, Parwen Hussaini, and her friend Maeve, a trans woman, on March 20, 2025. However, their attempt to board a plane in Kabul was thwarted when Maryam and Maeve were intercepted by the Taliban’s intelligence unit. Reports suggest they were subjected to beatings and are currently being held captive.
Fears of Torture and Execution
Nemat Sadat, CEO of Roshaniya, an Afghan LGBT network, expressed grave concerns about their situation. “It is feared that they will be tortured to divulge the identities of other LGBT individuals and subsequently face lengthy imprisonment or possible execution,” Sadat stated.
“Maryam and Maeve are now confronting the death penalty simply for desiring freedom and happiness,” he added, underscoring the dire circumstances.
Family’s Despair and Apostasy Concerns
Susan Battaglia, Maeve’s sister, residing in Michigan, voiced her family’s deep anxiety. “My family in Afghanistan is extremely worried that Maeve will be tortured and killed,” she conveyed.
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Battaglia further revealed that during interrogation, Maeve reportedly confessed to not being a Muslim. “This is terrifying for our family, as the penalty for apostasy under Sharia law is death,” she explained, adding another layer of peril to Maeve’s detention.
Seizure of Belongings and ‘LGBT+ Content’
Parwen, who managed to reach Iran, recounted that Maryam and Maeve’s detention occurred after the Taliban confiscated their possessions and discovered ‘LGBT+ content’ on their mobile phones. They were scheduled to depart from Kabul on a Mahan Air flight late last month, accompanied by a male chaperone at the airport.
Last Contact and Ongoing Captivity
“My last contact with them was when they were being taken away by armed Taliban members inside the airport in a vehicle,” Nemat, their employer, disclosed.
Both Maryam and Maeve remain in Taliban custody and have reportedly suffered severe beatings, according to Nemat.
Harsh Prison Conditions for Transgender Individuals
Nemat highlighted the particularly harsh conditions in Taliban prisons for transgender individuals to
“It is very probable that Ms. Maeve is currently being subjected to punishment within the Taliban prison,” he added, painting a bleak picture of Maeve’s current ordeal.
Fears of Solitary Confinement and Stoning
Parwen echoed fears that “it is conceivable they would be placed in solitary confinement and stoned to death.”
“The possibility of a death penalty for them is real,” she emphasized, underscoring the extreme danger they face.
Taliban’s Stance on Homosexuality
In a rare interview in 2021, a Taliban judge articulated the regime’s ‘punishments’ for gay individuals, citing either stoning or crushing by toppling a substantial wall.
Dreams of Freedom and Rekindled Relationship
Parwen had hoped to eventually relocate to Europe with Maryam to marry, having fallen in love shortly after the Taliban takeover of Kabul in December 2021. She revealed to
However, their love rekindled in 2023, leading to their ill-fated escape plans.
Persecution of LGBT Community in Afghanistan
LGBT individuals in Afghanistan endure intense persecution under the Taliban, exacerbated by widespread societal hostility.
Parwen indicated that Maeve’s family has not been responsive and declined offers of assistance. “We have received no information from Maryam to ascertain their current situation,” she lamented.
Family Rejection and Forced Marriage
Nemat explained that Maryam’s family had “refused to accept her lesbian identity and compelled her into marriage with a man.”
“She attempted to flee, and Maeve, a trans person, assisted her at significant personal risk,” he added, highlighting Maeve’s bravery.
Root Cause: Taliban’s Interpretation of Sharia Law
“The fundamental cause of this issue lies in the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic Sharia law, which deems homosexuality forbidden and confines a woman’s role to the home,” Nemat asserted.
“My distress is indescribable,” Parwen expressed. “I knew that leaving Afghanistan without Maryam was not an option for me.”
“She was aware she would be estranged from her family due to their lack of acceptance,” she continued.
Call for Immediate Release and Human Rights Intervention
Roshaniya is urgently appealing to human rights organizations and LGBT advocacy groups to demand the immediate release of Maryam and Maeve from Taliban detention, urging international intervention to prevent potential tragedies.