Iran twins sentenced to death over protests
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The gist
Iranian court sentenced twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi to death and 25 years for January protests. The case highlights Iran's use of death penalty to suppress dissent.
Background
In January 2026, nationwide protests erupted in Iran following the death of Mahsa Amini in 2022 and subsequent unrest. The Rahimi twins, aged 20, were arrested during protests in Isfahan. They were tried in the Isfahan Revolutionary Court in a case known as 'Shohada Square,' which resulted in death sentences for at least 12 protesters, including the twins and Leila Abolhasani, a 43-year-old mother. Human rights groups report that authorities are using fast-tracked group trials to impose death sentences, aiming to deter future dissent.
How it unfolded
- Jan 8, 2026 -9, 2026Taraneh and Romina Rahimi participate in anti-government protests in Isfahan and are arrested.
- Feb 2, 2026Setayesh Saedi, a minor, is arrested in connection with the same case; she is later sentenced to 5 years.
- Aug 31, 2026Reports emerge that Taraneh Rahimi and Leila Abolhasani have been sentenced to death in the Isfahan 'Shohada Square' trial.
- Sep 1, 2026It is reported that ten young activists, including Taraneh Rahimi, have been condemned to death; Romina Rahimi receives 25 years.
- Sep 6, 2026The Guardian reports that Taraneh was told prison guards would rape her sister if she did not sign a confession.
Who’s saying what
- Human Rights Groups
- Amnesty International accuses Iran of 'weaponizing the death penalty to repress dissent' with grossly unfair trials.
- Family
- Masoud Nourmohammadi, cousin of the twins, says they have access to human rights lawyers to appeal, but he is unsure what to expect.
Still unverified
Claims of torture and threats of rape against Taraneh Rahimi are based on reports from activists and her cousin, not independently verified. The exact number of death sentences in the Isfahan trial varies among sources.