Iran sentences 21-year-old Taraneh Rahimi to death

Taraneh Rahimi, a 21-year-old Iranian woman, has been sentenced to death following her participation in protests in Isfahan in January. The demonstrations, which were triggered by the rising cost of living, were met with violent repression by authorities.

Rahimi and her twin sister, Romina, were arrested during a police raid a week after the protests. According to human rights organizations including HRANA and Hengaw, Taraneh was convicted of ‘war against God’ due to her alleged involvement in incidents that resulted in the deaths of a member of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and a homeless individual. While Taraneh faces execution, Romina was sentenced to 36 years in prison.

The family of the sisters, currently living abroad, has alleged that the convictions were based on coerced confessions obtained through physical and psychological torture. Family members report that Taraneh has suffered injuries and is experiencing difficulty walking, yet authorities have reportedly denied requests for medical treatment outside of prison.