Clock ticking for LGBTQ Afghans hiding from Taliban, warn charities
LGBT
As the first group of LGBTQ Afghans have finally been able to flee the country and reach the UK, the pressure mounts on the government to speed up the evacuation of the community that has been living in fear.
The UK foreign secretary, Liz Truss, in a statement said, "We played a key role getting these people out and will continue to do all we can to help at-risk Afghans leave the country." She further added that Britain would defend “the right of all people to be themselves and love who they want”.
One among the group of 29, who have now safely reached the UK, which speaking to BBC said that he felt “like a human being” for the first time in his life. “Everything collapsed after the fall of Kabul. I was very depressed. I was counting my days to die.”
A Taliban judge had previously announced that there were two punishments for the people of LGBTQ community, which is, stoning or being crushed under a wall.
During the first regime of the Taliban from 1996 to 2001, members of the LGBT community were reportedly stoned to death and brutally tortured before being beaten to death.
)
Trump administration refunds $100 billion in tariffs after Supreme Court ruling
)
The Royals enter the Doctor Who universe: King Charles and Queen Camilla beam into Commonwealth Games in TARDIS
)
Former Tehelka editor Tarun Tejpal convicted in 2013 sexual assault case by Bombay High Court
)
'I was almost trafficked in Paris,' says Australian woman, shares terrifying ordeal - 'I am on the black market'
)
Ukrainian astronomers see gargantuan objects dashing at 39,600 kmph on the Moon - 'They can reach Earth in 20 minutes'
)
India avoids higher US tariff, secures lower 10% rate. Here's how
)
'Affront to our sovereignty': Bangladesh slams India over Sheikh Hasina's Delhi press conference
)
Lightning bolt strikes football field in Thailand, killing a player during a match
)
Mark Zuckerberg apologises to Indian government over harmful content, platform errors amid PM video row
)
Sajeeb Wazed raises Indian security concerns, calls Bangladesh a 'failed state'
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Who is Shreya Kalra? Meet the social media star who lifted the Lock Upp 2 trophy
)
The genetic roots of Tamils: 75,000 DNA markers decoded in latest study of Sangam-era settlement
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why are people charging their phone in airplane mode? Know science and benefits behind it
)
UP gangster Atiq Ahmed's son, on way to meet jailed brother, killed in road accident in Jhansi
)
'I would like to support...': Sonam Wangchuk reveals if he will join Jharkhand student protesters in Ranchi
)
Several Indian states ban analogue paneer: Experts explain what it is and the health risks | WION Decodes
)
Trump says Iranian school bombing photos could be AI-generated - 'I don’t think...'
)
Did Trump's helicopter nearly collide with a passenger jet? US launches probe
)
'Dhoni Made Fleming Great': Panesar says ECB made the wrong choice for England Test coach
)
Ex top Pakistan official blames economic woes on China: Here's how CPEC became a failure
)
‘Pakistan called for ceasefire, we kept them waiting’: Ex-CDS Anil Chauhan recalls Operation Sindoor
)
Munir-protege Mohsin Naqvi’s claim of unearthing huge scam triggers tremors in Pakistan’s power corridors
)
What’s happening in Nepal? How did a local clash turn into communal violence? WION Decodes
)
Scientists find descendants of ancient sea creatures trapped under Antarctica's Blood Falls
)
Strait of Hormuz deal with Oman being ‘finalised’: Iran’s foreign ministry
)
CJP's Saurav Das alleges YouTubers broke into his house, seeks Delhi Police action
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
Why Russian tanks are much lighter compared to US tanks
)
'Time to step away': Cambridge's youngest Black professor resigns amid plagiarism row - What we know
&im=FitAndFill=(700,400))
New OTT releases this week (August 3-9, 2026): Main Vaapas Aaunga, Uyir, Operation Safed Sagar- 6 titles coming on Netflix, Prime Video and more
)
India deploys joint outbreak response team as Chandipura virus spreads in Gujarat, Rajasthan
No details were given on how the group was able to leave Afghanistan. However, this hints towards a possible diplomatic agreement.
Gianluca Di Caro, chief executive of the British and Irish Boxing Authority (Biba) has said that the organisation had 250 boxers and their families trapped in Afghanistan. A significant proportion of the group is LGBTQ. While speaking to Observer, he emphasised on the need to get them out quickly. "We’ve already had female boxers who have been assaulted by the Taliban. In some cases Taliban have gone into some of the girls’ houses.”
Officials have revealed that the foreign secretary, along with British LGBTQgroup Stonewall and Canadian organisation Rainbow Railroad, have been working hardto ensure the Afghan LGBTQ group is safe.
Stonewall’s chief executive,Nancy Kelleysaid that her organisation had been campaigning to bring Afghans to the UK for a few months. She said that she would continue to push for international support.