Tehran: The case of Iranian twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi has drawn international concern after their family alleged that the young women were subjected to severe abuse in custody following their participation in anti-government protests in January.
Taraneh, 20, has reportedly been sentenced to death, while her twin Romina has received a 25-year prison sentence. The sisters are among 16 people tried in Isfahan in connection with the protests.
Family describes months of alleged abuse
According to relatives, masked security personnel took the sisters from their home after the January demonstrations. Their family reportedly spent months searching for them before learning that they were being held at Dowlatabad prison in Isfahan.
When their mother was finally allowed to see them in May, relatives said she struggled to recognise her daughters because of severe injuries and swelling. Their cousin Masud Nurmohammadi alleged that the sisters had suffered broken bones and had large portions of their hair pulled out while being moved between cells.
The allegations have not been independently verified by all parties. Iranian authorities have not publicly addressed all the specific claims made by the family.
Confessions allegedly obtained under pressure
The sisters’ lawyers reportedly told the court that statements attributed to them had been obtained through torture. Their relatives also alleged that Taraneh was threatened with sexual violence against Romina if she refused to sign a confession.
Human-rights reporting says the sisters’ case has raised concerns about due process and the use of severe punishment against protesters.
Death sentence adds to wider concern
Taraneh’s reported death sentence has intensified scrutiny of Iran’s treatment of people linked to the January protests. According to Iran Human Rights, more than 500 people have been executed in Iran during 2026, including people connected to the demonstrations.
The sisters’ family and rights advocates are calling for international attention to their case. Appeals and legal efforts remain crucial as concerns grow over the reported use of forced confessions and harsh sentences against protesters.
The case has become another painful reminder of the human cost faced by families caught between demands for political change and a continuing crackdown on dissent.