The global community is urged to demand the immediate release of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish academic unjustly imprisoned in Iran and threatened with execution. Dr. Djalali, imprisoned since 2016, faces dire consequences without swift diplomatic intervention, according to the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI). His case highlights the necessity for Sweden to take proactive measures in securing his freedom and rallying international support to pressure Iran.
Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of CHRI, condemned Dr. Djalali’s situation, stating that it reflects Iran’s grave violation of international law through the wrongful imprisonment of dual and foreign nationals. He insists that governments worldwide must unite to enforce consequences on Iran to ensure Dr. Djalali’s and others’ release. The pressing need for serious diplomatic pressure and sanctions against Iranian officials is underscored to prevent future cases of hostage-taking.
With an urgent call to action, CHRI emphasizes that the Swedish government should prioritize Dr. Djalali’s release in all discussions with Iran, utilizing international platforms like the UN and the EU to garner support. Additionally, they urge the international community to intensify pressure on Iran to cease the hostage-taking practices that endanger lives and violate rights.
Dr. Djalali, in a troubling audio message from Evin Prison, expressed abandonment by the Swedish government, lamenting the years spent in a cell and the deteriorating health he suffers. “Eight years and nine months have passed since I was detained in Evin Prison,” he stated, pointing out his struggle for survival amid severe health issues.
In 2016, Dr. Djalali was arrested under dubious circumstances, as he was in Iran at the invitation of Tehran University. His subsequent death sentence arose from a flawed legal process characterized by torture and coercion to extract false confessions. Over nearly a decade, he has endured unimaginable hardships, including isolation and neglect of his medical needs.
His continuous suffering illustrates a troubling trend in Iran, where foreign nationals are often used as leverage in political negotiations. Ghaemi stresses that the international community must act decisively to end this inhumane hostage diplomacy, protecting innocent lives and insisting that no life should be treated as a bargaining chip.
Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish academic imprisoned in Iran since 2016, faces execution, prompting calls for immediate international action. There is growing pressure for the Swedish government to lead efforts to secure his release, as his health worsens in prison. CHRI emphasizes the need for serious consequences on Iran to prevent the ongoing hostage-taking of dual and foreign nationals.
The international community must collectively pressure Iran to release Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali and safeguard other imprisoned dual and foreign nationals. Urgent diplomatic actions, including sanctions and isolation, are imperative to combat Iran’s troubling pattern of hostage diplomacy. As Dr. Djalali’s health deteriorates, the time for action is now to ensure that individual lives are not used as political pawns.
The plight of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali represents a critical case of injustice and abuse within Iran’s legal system, emphasizing a broader pattern of hostage diplomacy perpetrated by the Iranian government. He was initially arrested while participating in an academic exchange, showcasing how academic professionals are vulnerable to political motivations. His ongoing detention has drawn the attention of human rights organizations, and calls for action reflect global outrage over such abuses. This situation raises essential questions regarding governmental responsibilities and international law in protecting citizens abroad.
Original Source: iranhumanrights.org
