Italy: Bring him back! Gay student trapped in Iran.
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A medical student is trapped in Iran and faces danger for being gay. Italy must act now to let him return to safety.

A young medical student should be finishing his degree in Italy and building his future. Instead, he is trapped in Iran, hiding who he is to survive.

He is an Iranian who studies medicine in Italy, where he lives, and can exist openly. In 2024, he returned to Iran to visit his family, receive treatment for a serious illness, and complete his compulsory military service, which for men in Iran typically lasts around 18 to 24 months. During that time, a bureaucratic failure in renewing his Italian residence permit prevented him from traveling back. 

What was meant to be temporary became a trap. And it has become a question of life and death. 

Iran is marked by violent repression, arbitrary arrests, and crackdowns on basic freedoms. For LGBT+ people, the risk is even greater. Simply being gay can lead to detention, abuse, or worse. Living safely means hiding, lying, and fearing exposure every day.

For this gay student, that is now his reality.

He cannot live openly. He cannot feel safe. A single report could cost him his freedom or his life.

Italian authorities know the conditions in Iran. They know the specific dangers LGBT+ people face. Yet by denying his return, they are forcing a gay student to remain in a country where his rights, safety, and dignity are not protected – even though he is asking for nothing extraordinary, only to be allowed back to his university to continue his studies.

This is part of a wider reality around the world: governments using paperwork, borders, and permits to block people from safety. When freedom of movement is denied, lives are put in danger.

Italy has the power to fix this now. Letting this student return is simple, lawful, and urgent. Every day of delay increases the risk he faces.

A life should not be lost to paperwork.

This campaign is run by: Agapanto, Agedo nazionale, Arcigay, Antinoo Arcigay Napoli, Associazione Quore, Associazione Radicale Certi Diritti, CEST centro salute trans e gender variant, Circolo di Cultura Omosessuale Mario Mieli, EDGE, GayCenter, Gaynet, Intersex Esiste, Omphalos LGBTI, Open Catania, Polis aperta, Possibile LGBTI+, Rete Genitori Rainbow, Stonewall GLBT+ Siracusa, T Genus, Ygrò A.P.S., One Billion Rising Italia, Assist Ass. Naz. Atlete aps, Famiglie Arcobaleno, Genderlens, and Libellula Italia APS.

0people have signed
Goal: 5,000

To Italian Prime Minister, Foreign Minister, and University Minister:

We are writing with grave concern about a gay medical student in Italy who is currently trapped in Iran after being denied re-entry to the country.

This decision has placed him in danger.

Iran is experiencing violent repression, widespread arrests, and severe restrictions on basic freedoms. For LGBT+ people, the risks are extreme. Being gay can lead to detention, abuse, and life-threatening harm. Safety depends on hiding one’s identity and living in constant fear.

By preventing this student from returning to Italy, where he studies and resides, Italian authorities are knowingly leaving him exposed to these dangers.

This student is not asking for exceptional treatment or special consideration. He is simply asking to be allowed back to his university so he can continue his medical studies and rebuild his life in safety.

This outcome contradicts Italy’s commitments to human dignity, equality before the law, and the protection of fundamental rights.

Italy has both the authority and the responsibility to act. Allowing this student to return would protect his safety, uphold his right to education, and affirm Italy’s role as a country that does not turn away when human lives are at stake.

We urge you to intervene immediately to ensure his safe return to Italy and the continuation of his studies.

0people have signed
Goal: 5,000

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