The family of twin sisters Taraneh and Romina Rahimi, both 21, who have been sentenced respectively to death and decades in prison for protesting against the Iranian regime, has appealed to the United Nations for assistance. British human rights lawyers representing the family have submitted formal information regarding the case, which could prompt the UN Human Rights Council to engage with Iran to address potential human rights violations.

Taraneh and Romina were arrested eight months ago by members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after participating in nationwide protests in Isfahan on January 8 and 9. They faced charges including moharebeh, or waging war against God, a serious accusation often used against political dissenters in Iran. In late August, Taraneh was sentenced to death alongside nine others, while Romina received a 25-year prison term. The family has expressed their intention to appeal the sentences amid growing concerns from human rights groups that Taraneh’s execution could be expedited.

Both sisters are currently held in Dowlatabad prison in Isfahan. According to relatives, Taraneh has been threatened with having to watch the rape of her sister if she refused to sign a confession. The twins have reportedly been kept in isolation but able to hear each other’s screams during instances of torture. Since their sentencing, neither has been allowed contact with their mother, Marzieh Nourmohammadi, or other family members.

Masoud Nourmohammadi, a cousin of the twins and an IT engineer based in Utah, said Taraneh has been punished by being allowed only the leftovers of other prisoners’ meals and requires surgery due to injuries sustained during interrogation. Speaking on the family’s behalf, he said the appeal to the UN was made out of desperation and sought basic protections for the sisters, including fair legal processes, protection from torture, access to medical care, and genuine case reviews.

“I ask the United Nations to stand with them before it is too late—especially for Taraneh,” Nourmohammadi stated, urging the international community to intervene.

Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, told the UN General Assembly in New York this week that Iran is “ready for dialogue and diplomacy.” Meanwhile, Iran has executed more than 500 people this year, including at least 16 women. Hundreds of protesters have been sentenced to death or face capital charges, with over 70 such cases reported in Isfahan alone.

A UN submission through its “special procedures” can trigger formal requests for explanations and actions from member states, potentially opening a path for international scrutiny of the Rahimis’ case. The family and legal representatives continue to pursue all peaceful and legal avenues in the hope of preventing the execution and ensuring Romina’s sentence is reconsidered.