Iranian actress and activist Kiana Firouz denied asylum

Kiana Firouz, a gay rights activist and star of the film Cul de Sac, which is also based on her life, has had her appeal for asylum refused by the Home Office.

According to The Times, the Home Office rejected her appeal on the ground that she could conceal her homosexuality if she went home.

This ruling has been upheld by two appeals tribunals.

The Iranian government has tried to have Firouz deported to be tried for being homosexual since December 2009.

Paul Canning, editor of the website LGBT Asylum News, told The Times: "She would be arrested ... She would be tortured. She could face execution not for being a lesbian but for embarrassing the regime."

The punishment for "unrepentant" homosexuality in Iran is hanging.

Supporters of Fiouz have set up a petition as well as a Facebook group.

Harry's Place also lists two addresses to write to asking for Kiana Firouz to be granted asylum:

Minister of State (Borders and Immigration) -
Home Office, 2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Fax: +44 870 336 9034

Secretary of State for the Home Department -

Home Office, 2 Marsham Street
London SW1P 4DF
Fax: +44 20 7035 0900.

The film "Cul de Sac":

Cul de Sac follows Kiana, an Iranian lesbian and gay rights activist who makes a documentary about being gay in Iran. This documentary attracts the attention of the security service.

Kiana moves to Britain to study and meets Iranian journalist Sayeh, who asks her to help with a report about protesters in London.

She is informed by her mother that the security services are after her and applies for asylum in Britain, which is turned down.

Trailer for Cul de Sac:



According to the Everyone Group, Kiana has commented: "It was important for me to take part in the film. As an Iranian lesbian I think the film is the best way to show how difficult life is for lesbians in my country.

"This film contains sex scenes that would be sufficient evidence for receiving a death sentence if I were sent back to Iran. Now, my only hope is to mobilize the international LGBT community."