TIMES OF ISRAEL
Gay Iranian poet said to seek asylum in Israel
by Staff and AP
February 24, 2016

Iranian poet Payam Feili’s three month visa to Israel is coming to an end, and he now seeks asylum in the country he says he “fell in love” with. According to a report in the Jordanian Al Bawaba news website, the openly-gay Feili is requesting asylum from Israeli authorities due to the danger posed to his life if he were to ever return to Iran. The report speculates that though Israeli officials are unhappy with his move to seek permanent residence after entering the country as a visitor, they are inclined to approve his request due to his situation. Feili fled his native Iran last year because of the persecution he faced over his sexuality. READ MORE