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*** This programme contains strong language and descriptions of violence which some listeners may find disturbing. To protect the identity of those involved actors voices have been used and names changed ***

Homosexuality is not against the law in Iraq.

Yet for years now, gay men and women have been persecuted for being different.

In the lawless years post-Saddam Hussein, people blamed the radical militia groups but today - in a supposedly free Iraq - victims say that the state run police are also involved in the arrest, torture and sexual abuse of homosexuals. Natalia Antelava investigates for Assignment on the Â鶹ԼÅÄ World Service.