Full Breakdown
Twin Sisters Sentenced in Iran Over January Protests: Death Penalty and 25-Year Prison Term Amid Torture Allegations
9/9/2026, 5:42:36 AM
Core Event: Arrest, Trial and Sentences
Following the January 8-9 demonstrations in Isfahan, security forces raided the home of 19-year-old Taraneh Rahimi and, a week later, their mother’s residence, detaining the twins. Identified as IRGC agents, the men held the sisters in solitary confinement at Dowlatabad prison. After a closed trial, Taraneh was sentenced to death for “waging war against God,” while Romina received a 25-year term on the same charges. Neither has been seen by family since sentencing.
Background & Context: Crackdown on January Protesters
The protests sparked a sweeping security response. By the time of the twins’ sentencing, Iranian authorities had executed more than 500 people this year, including at least 29 linked to the protests and 16 women. In Isfahan, over 70 detainees face possible death sentences.
Data & Statistics
- Executions this year: > 500 (>= 29 protest-related)
- Women executed: 16
- Detainees in Isfahan facing death penalty: > 70
- Defendants tried in Isfahan for the unrest: 16 (including the Rahimi sisters)
Allegations of Torture and Forced Confessions
Family members allege severe abuse. Cousin Masud Nurmohammadi says Taraneh underwent leg surgery before detention, was denied urgent medical care, and was repeatedly told she would be executed regardless of her health. He describes hair pulling, bruised faces, swollen bodies, and threats of rape to force a confession. The sisters’ lawyers say no evidence links them to alleged Molotov-cocktail attacks or the deaths of two protesters and note stalled complaints about sexual abuse and torture in Isfahan courts.
Official Statements & Responses
Rights groups have highlighted Iran’s pattern of arbitrary detention and the use of the death penalty to silence dissent.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- The court’s rationale for a death sentence for Taraneh but a 25-year term for Romina is unclear.
- Prosecutors allege the twins made Molotov cocktails and caused two deaths, yet the defense reports no murder charges or evidence presented.
- Iranian law allows an 18-day appeal window, but families say this period has not been honored in recent execution cases.
What’s Next: Legal Appeals and International Pressure
The sisters’ lawyers have been permitted to review the case file and are preparing an appeal, though no formal filing has yet occurred. The United Kingdom and 30 other countries issued a joint statement condemning the executions of January protesters and calling for an end to capital punishment for political offenses.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They do not follow their own law,” — Marzieh Nourmohammadi, mother of the twins
- “They repeatedly told Taraneh, 'You're going to be executed. Whether you have a broken leg or a healthy leg, you're going to be executed. It doesn't matter whether you have a leg or not.'” — Masud Nurmohammadi, cousin