Iranian security agents allegedly raped, tortured nurses detained for treating protesters

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 after treating injured anti-government protesters in Tehran were tortured and repeatedly raped by Iranian security officials while 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 serious internal injuries and underwent major surgeries after being taken into custody, the source said. It was reported that one of them had part of her intestine removed, and the other had a hysterectomy due to the size of her wounds.

Iran International also reported that a nurse’s family was forced to pay a large sum of money to an intelligence officer to secure her release, and that she was forced to sign statements in an attempt to conceal the abuse and blame it on “rebels.”

Security forces order medical personnel not to treat injured protesters

The report also alleged that security forces raided the hospital on January 8, instructed staff not to treat injured protesters, and later beat medical workers who resisted. According to eyewitnesses, two female nurses were shot dead and five were arrested.

The allegations come amid growing international concern over Iran’s treatment of detainees during its protest crackdown. Amnesty International and UN investigators have previously warned of torture, sexual violence, arbitrary arrests and forced confessions in detention in Iran.

The latest allegations echo earlier reports alleging that Iranian authorities use sexual violence as a systematic tool to suppress dissent.