By Pishtaz | 2026-03-31

The Islamic Republic's security agents are reported to have sexually assaulted and tortured two nurses after they treated injured protesters in Tehran during nationwide protests.

The women were among staff at Tehran's Rajaei Cardiovascular, Medical and Research Center who treated protesters in late December and early January.

Iran International, citing sources within Tehran and opposition media, depicts a grim reality of healthcare workers' treatment amid Iran's intense crackdown on mass demonstrations.

The nurses reportedly endured gang rape, sexual torture and life‑altering injuries while held in custody of security forces.

One woman reportedly suffered severe harm requiring major surgery, including removal of part of her intestine, and now lives with a colostomy bag.

These allegations occur amid what observers describe as the most violent crackdown in Iran in recent years, sparked by nationwide demonstrations beginning in late December.

Millions across the country challenged the Islamic Republic regime, and human rights monitors report thousands of deaths and mass arrests during the protests.

Hospitals as sites of repression

Beyond claims about the nurses, additional reports allege that security forces entered medical facilities and deliberately targeted hospitals as sites of repression.

Detained protesters and healthcare personnel were reportedly beaten, shot or killed when attempting to provide medical care.

Human rights organizations say these reports reflect a broader pattern of torture, sexual violence and forced confessions used against detainees in Iran.

Groups such as Amnesty International and the UN have documented similar abuses during previous protests, noting that torture and sexual assault are tools of intimidation.

The principle of medical neutrality emphasizes why protecting healthcare workers and facilities from violence is a matter of urgent concern for the international community.

Healthcare workers and facilities must be protected from violence, even during domestic conflict or unrest situations.

When hospitals are treated as battlefields and medical personnel as enemies, it signals a breakdown of international norms.

It also threatens core protections of humanitarian law, as the right to provide care without fear is essential for humane conduct.

Implications and accountability

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) and related forces claim to maintain security, but their abuses have increased scrutiny of the regime's human rights record.

Opposition figures argue that the IRGC does not act in ordinary Iranians' interests, and such actions are driving increasing numbers of defections.

While allegations remain based on opposition reporting and lack independent verification, they underscore serious concerns about civilians, medical staff and detainees during Iran's ongoing crisis.

International human rights law obliges governments to investigate credible claims of torture and sexual violence and to hold perpetrators accountable.

Failure to investigate and prosecute perpetrators compounds harm to victims and erodes global norms designed to protect the most vulnerable.