Execution of prisoners in Iran. Photo: DPGI.

The website of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reported the arrest of “a network of homosexuals and satanists” in the western Iranian city of Kermanshah, close to the country’s border with Iraq, on Thursday, The Guardian reported.

A source told The Guardian “the raid took place on Tuesday night when some 80 people, including both straight and gay Iranians, had gathered for a birthday party in Kermanshah. At least 17 people who had tattoos, make-up, or were wearing rainbow bracelets were blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, according to a local source. Partygoers were filmed by the elite forces and had their mobile phones confiscated.”

The website did not specify how many people were arrested but said they had been under surveillance for some time.

Homosexuality is punishable by death in Iran and officials have gone so far as to claim it doesn’t exist within the country.