Iran has sentenced 19-year-old Taraneh Rahimi to death, while her sister Romina received a 25-year prison sentence, in a judgment that drew international condemnation.
The two girls were arrested at night, with masked men, deployed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, carrying out the arrest. During detention, the sisters were subjected to physical abuse, including blows to the elbows and feet, and were forced to sign confessions under the threat of rape. The threats were directed at the sisters, who were told that rape would occur if they refused to sign the confession, representing a serious violation of the right to a fair trial.
Following the signing of the statements, the two sisters were separated from their family. Their family, who have not seen them since, expressed deep concern for the safety of the sisters and the fairness of the proceedings. This case is part of a wider trend in which Iranian authorities use the legal system to suppress political dissent, particularly among young people.
Iran has executed more than 500 people, including at least 29 people connected to the January protests. At least 16 women were among those executed, indicating the broad scope of the repression. These events highlight the need for international attention and pressure on Iranian authorities to ensure respect for human rights and freedom of expression.
