Taraneh Rahimi, a 20-year-old political prisoner sentenced to death in the “Isfahan Shohada Square” case, is still denied hospital transfer despite requiring surgery and receiving prison doctor authorization
Iran Human Rights Society, Monday, September 7, 2026 – The physical condition of Taraneh Rahimi, a 20-year-old political prisoner sentenced to death, is reported to be critical in Isfahan’s Dowlatabad Prison, with an increasing risk that she may lose her ability to walk. According to received information, the prison doctor confirmed the necessity of transferring Taraneh Rahimi to a hospital for surgery, but an official at the prison infirmary blocked her transfer. The prisoner’s family also purchased required medical equipment to alleviate her pain and prevent worsening injury, but these items were withheld from her.
Deterioration of Taraneh Rahimi’s Physical Condition
Based on received information, Taraneh Rahimi—who had a prior leg surgery before her arrest—now faces severe damage to her leg and knee, putting her mobility at serious risk.
Reports indicate that during interrogations, batons were forcibly struck against her knees, worsening her pre-existing injury. The prison doctor confirmed the necessity of transferring her to an outside hospital for surgery.
Despite this medical diagnosis, an individual named “Yaghoubi” from the medical staff at Isfahan’s Dowlatabad Prison prevented her hospital dispatch.
Deprivation of Medical Equipment and Specialized Care
To assist with her physical condition, Taraneh Rahimi’s family purchased a medical ankle brace and knee brace and delivered them to the prison; however, according to received information, these items were not provided to her.
In addition to severe leg and knee injuries, Taraneh Rahimi suffers from serious lung issues and was previously denied access to specialized medical treatment.
Denying specialized treatment when a prison doctor has explicitly confirmed the need for surgery heightens concerns regarding irreversible physical harm to this young prisoner.
Taraneh Rahimi; Sentenced to Death in Isfahan Shohada Square Case
Taraneh Rahimi and her twin sister, Romina Rahimi, are among the defendants in the “Isfahan Shohada Square” case. Published reports state that Branch 1 of the Isfahan Revolutionary Court sentenced 10 defendants in this case to death at the preliminary stage, with Taraneh Rahimi among them.
Romina Rahimi was sentenced to 25 years in prison in the same case. Based on previous reports, a total of 16 citizens faced prosecution in connection with the January 2026 protests in this case. Their hearing session was held on July 13, 2026, inside Isfahan’s Dastgerd Prison.
Charges in this case include “Moharebeh” (enmity against God), “destruction of public property amounting to Moharebeh,” “assembly and collusion,” and “propaganda against the system.” Previous reports also highlighted restrictions on defense attorneys accessing sections of the file and torture allegations raised by one of the defendants.
Case in the Appeal Stage
According to received information, defendants in this case face restrictions on calls, visits, and access to their lawyers while the case is within the appeal window at the Supreme Court.
Concurrently, Taraneh Rahimi’s physical condition and the denial of her hospital transfer increase concerns regarding her health and the possibility of permanent movement impairment.
Taraneh Rahimi is only 20 years old. If reports regarding denial of treatment are accurate, the continuation of this situation could bring severe, irreversible consequences for her health.
Information Box | Case Information at a Glance
| Subject | Information |
| Name | Taraneh Rahimi |
| Age | 20 years (Twin sister: Romina Rahimi, sentenced to 25 years) |
| Case Title | Isfahan Shohada Square Case (Connected to January 2026 protests) |
| Current Detention Location | Dowlatabad Prison, Isfahan |
| Issued Sentence | Death penalty (Branch 1 of Isfahan Revolutionary Court) |
| Case Status | Within appeal period at the Supreme Court |
| Primary Charges | Moharebeh, destruction of public property amounting to Moharebeh, assembly & collusion |
| Health Condition | Severe knee/leg trauma from interrogation abuse, chronic lung issues |
| Medical Status | Surgery authorized by prison doctor; hospital transfer blocked by infirmary official “Yaghoubi” |
Legal Review of Taraneh Rahimi’s Case Based on Domestic Laws
The laws of the dictatorship ruling Iran have consistently been criticized due to conflicting with fair trial standards and restricting citizens’ rights. Reviewing this case based on domestic laws does not mean confirmation of these laws; rather, it demonstrates that even these regulations emphasize the necessity of observing prisoners’ rights.
Legal Ambiguities of the Case
- Articles 22, 32, 35, 37, 38 & 39 of the Constitution: Emphasize the protection of rights and dignity, legality of arrest, right to counsel, presumption of innocence, prohibition of torture, and protection against degrading treatment.
- Prisons Organization Regulations: Mandate that authorities provide medical services and transfer sick prisoners to outside hospitals in necessary cases.
- Violation of Domestic Provisions: Withholding medical equipment and blocking a medically required surgery directly violates domestic statutory mandates regarding inmate health care.
Reviewing the Case from the Perspective of Human Rights and Violation of International Standards
Denying Taraneh Rahimi necessary medical treatment—especially with the imminent threat of permanent mobility loss—constitutes a severe violation of the right to health and humane treatment for prisoners. Facing a death sentence further highlights the critical need for strict compliance with fair trial standards.
Human Rights Ambiguities of the Case
Inflicting physical trauma during interrogations and obstructing necessary medical procedures converts detention into cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, directly endangering her right to life and physical integrity.
Related International Documents
- Articles 3, 5, 9, 10 & 11 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: Protect the right to life, prohibit inhuman treatment or arbitrary detention, and guarantee fair trial rights.
- Articles 6, 7, 9, 10 & 14 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights: Protect the right to life, prohibit torture/degrading treatment, and guarantee personal security and fair trials.
- UN Nelson Mandela Rules: Mandate that prisoners receive prompt, necessary medical care and equivalent health standards available in the community.
See also the below articles:
- Parsa Najafi: More Than 3 Months of Detention and Uncertainty in Dastgerd Prison
- Conviction of Two Shirazi Lawyers, Mehdi and Mehran Ansari, Sentenced to Prison
Follow Iran Human Rights Society on social networks:
Telegram /Twitter /Instagram / YouTube / Facebook
Join Iran Human Rights Society on Twitter
