The women were among medical staff at Tehran’s Rajaei Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center who treated injured demonstrators during nationwide protests in late December and early January.
Two nurses detained in Tehran after treating wounded anti-government protesters were tortured and repeatedly raped by Iranian security agents in custody, according to an exclusive report by Iran International.
The women were among medical staff at Tehran’s Rajaei Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center who treated injured demonstrators during nationwide protests in late December and early January, the report said.
Both nurses suffered severe internal injuries and underwent major surgeries after their detention, according to sources cited by the outlet. One reportedly had part of her intestine removed, while the other allegedly underwent a hysterectomy due to the extent of her injuries.
Iran International also reported that one nurse’s family was forced to pay an intelligence officer a large sum to secure her release, and that she was made to sign statements meant to conceal the abuse and blame it on “rioters.”
Security forces ordered medical staff not to treat wounded protesters
The report further alleged that security forces stormed the hospital on January 8, ordered staff not to treat wounded protesters, and later beat medical workers who resisted. According to witnesses, two female nurses were shot dead and five others were arrested.
The allegations come amid growing international concern over Iran’s treatment of detainees during protest crackdowns. Amnesty International and UN investigators have previously warned of torture, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests, and forced confessions in Iranian custody.
The latest claims echo earlier reports alleging that Iranian authorities have used sexual violence systematically as a tool to suppress dissent.
