Maryam (19) and Maeve (23) had planned to escape Kabul on 20 March 2025, together with Maryam's partner, Parwen Hussaini (20), on a Mahan Airlines flight to Iran. They were being assisted by Roshaniya, an Afghan LGBTQ+ organisation dedicated to the safety of LGBTQ+ individuals. According to the Peter Tatchell Foundation, the three were attempting to travel safely to Iran, with the ultimate goal of escaping to Europe. However, during a security check at the airport, they were detained by the Taliban’s intelligence unit. During their interrogation, their phones were searched, and LGBTQ-related content was discovered. “Maeve and Maryam were beaten badly by the Taliban,” said Nemat Sadat, CEO of Roshaniya. “They are likely to be tortured to reveal the names of other LGBTQ+ people and risk a long prison sentence or possibly execution.”

The Peter Tatchell Foundation has raised awareness about the activists’ situation and is working with Roshaniya to demand the release of Maryam and Maeve. The Foundation emphasises the need for international pressure on the Taliban to free the women.

Parwen, who managed to board the flight, is now in Iran and has shared a video explaining the situation. She is calling for international help to free Maryam and Maeve. Her life is also being threatened, along with that of her family.

Maeve’s sister, Susan, who now lives in the US, is deeply concerned about her sister’s torture and possible execution. She points out that Maeve confessed during her interrogation that she does not believe in Islam, which under Sharia law could result in the death penalty.

The Peter Tatchell Foundation is calling on human rights organisations and LGBTQ+ groups to work together and pressure the Taliban to demand the immediate release of Maryam and Maeve.