‘One of the Kindest People’: 21-Year-Old Taraneh Sentenced To Death After Isfahan Protests Amid Torture Allegations

Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, twin sisters from Isfahan, were arrested after joining nationwide protests on the nights of 8–9 January. Relatives and human rights groups say both were detained after chanting slogans in Shohada Square and later brought before a court held inside an Isfahan prison. Taraneh, now 21, has been sentenced to death on charges of "waging war against God," and Romina received a 36-year prison term, according to the US-based Human Rights Activists (HRANA) organisation.

Background

The twin sisters, then aged 20, participated in two nights of rallies that spread across Iran and were met with a security crackdown rights groups say left many dead. A week after the demonstrations the sisters were arrested and their home searched, relatives based outside Iran say.

Arrest, Trial and Sentence

In July the Rahimi sisters and 14 others were taken before a prison court accused of involvement in the deaths of a member of the Revolutionary Guards and a homeless person during the unrest. HRANA reports that Taraneh was later sentenced to death, while Romina was given a 36-year sentence. The verdicts are subject to appeal.

Allegations of Torture and Denial of Medical Care

Relatives and prison sources allege that both women were subjected to physical and psychological torture during interrogation. Their cousin, Masoud Nourmohammadi, told AFP that Taraneh—who has pre-existing knee problems—was examined by a doctor who recommended hospitalisation outside prison but that authorities refused to transfer her. He quoted interrogators as saying:

"It does not matter how you die, you will be hanged anyway."

Family members and rights groups say Taraneh endured deliberate pressure on a surgically repaired knee and injuries to her elbow and knuckles. According to information smuggled out of the prison, detainees were allegedly forced to witness each other’s torture and coerced into signing confessions under threats, including the claim that interrogators threatened to rape a sibling if a confession was not signed.

International Response and Wider Context

Human rights organisations including Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, the Center for Human Rights in Iran, and the Abdorrahman Boroumand Center have condemned a wave of executions and rushed trials following the protests. Rights groups report that Iran has executed at least 29 people in connection with the protests so far, and Norway-based Iran Human Rights says it has identified about 100 death sentences related to the unrest, including 31 in Isfahan province. HRANA reports that eight women face capital punishment on security- or protest-related charges.

Human Rights Watch called the executions part of a "relentless attack on the right to life," noting that many convictions appear to rely on confessions that rights groups say were obtained under torture and in proceedings that were too brief to establish guilt for capital charges.

What Happens Next

The Rahimi sisters’ sentences remain subject to appeal. Relatives and activists are urging international attention to the case, highlighting concerns about alleged torture, medical neglect and the fairness of the trial. Their cousin described the detained protesters as "young, brave Iranians" and warned that authorities aim to instil fear through harsh punishments.

Sources: HRANA; Center for Human Rights in Iran; Iran Human Rights; Human Rights Watch; Abdorrahman Boroumand Center; AFP.