NEWS CENTER – Reports published by human rights groups allege that two woman nurses detained in Tehran, the capital of Iran, were subjected to severe abuse, including sexual violence and torture, after being arrested for treating people injured during protests.

 

According to the reports, protests that began on December 28, 2025, in Tehran were followed by the detention of seven nurses from Rajaei Heart Hospital on January 8. It was also reported that two male nurses later lost their life in custody, and their bodies were returned to their families on January 9.

 

The findings were published by the Tavaana and the Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, which stated that the detained women were subjected to repeated torture and sexual violence during interrogation.

 

SEVERE PHYSICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HARM

 

The reports indicate that the alleged abuse caused serious and lasting physical and psychological harm. According to medical sources cited, both women required major surgeries due to internal injuries and are now living with colostomy bags.

 

In one case, part of the nurse’s intestines was removed, and she suffered severe uterine damage, with doctors reportedly considering further surgery. In the other case, it was reported that heavy bleeding led to the complete removal of the uterus. Witnesses and medical accounts cited in the reports also alleged that the women were subjected to repeated sexual assault while in detention.

 

ALLEGATIONS OF COERCION AND EXTORTION

 

The reports further claim that one of the women was pressured into a so-called temporary marriage arrangement, known as Nikah mut'ah, with a security official. It was also alleged that her family had to pay a significant amount of money to an intelligence officer in order to secure her release.