Detained during Pride Parade, Iranian refugee released from deportation center after a month

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An Iranian refugee, Elyas Torabibaeskendari, who was detained following the İstanbul Pride Parade on June 25, has been released from the Removal Center (GGM) in Urfa, southeastern Turkey.

Elyas had been detained at the removal center since June 27, sparking efforts from the İstanbul Pride Week Committee and his family to secure his release.

The Progressive Lawyers' Association (ÇHD) and the Human Rights Association (İHD) had been actively supporting Elyas during his detention, regularly visiting him and keeping track of the legal developments while making necessary applications.

"Out struggle paid off"

Andisneh Torabibaeskendari, Elyas's sister, expressed their relief at their release. "We are very happy, our struggle paid off. Hopefully, this won't happen again. We are eagerly awaiting his return," she told bianet.

Meanwhile, his lawyers had put forth two appeals against the decision for Elyas's deportation, and they had also taken the case to the Constitutional Court in their efforts to prevent his deportation.

Mustafa Vefa, a lawyer from the İHD Urfa Branch, emphasized that Elyas held an international protection status and that the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees had issued an "urgent" call to Turkey concerning his situation.

What happened?

Elyas Torabibaeskendari, who has been residing in Turkey for 10 years under temporary protection status, was detained during the İstanbul Pride March on June 25. They were sent to the deportation center in the southeastern Urfa province two days later.

The İstanbul Pride Week Committee had urged for Torabibaeskendari's release, noting that they may face ill-treatment and possible capital sentence in Iran, where being LGBTI+ criminalized, and the highest penalty is execution. (EMK/VK)