Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard has reiterated Sweden's demand for the release of Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian researcher imprisoned in Iran since 2016. During a bilateral meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York, Stenergard emphasized the need for Djalali's immediate release on humanitarian grounds. Despite repeated requests, Iran has not provided information on Djalali's whereabouts after his transfer from Evin Prison.
Sweden Demands Iran Release Ahmadreza Djalali
Sweden Demands Iran Release Ahmadreza Djalali
Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard (M) has just concluded a bilateral meeting with her Iranian counterpart in New York. She reiterated Sweden's demand for the release of Ahmadreza Djalali.
"We have repeatedly and at various levels demanded information about the circumstances," Malmer Stenergard told Expressen.
The so-called UN Week in New York is underway.
The UN General Assembly began on Tuesday as the organization celebrates its 80th anniversary. In conjunction with this, Sweden's Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard met with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
During the meeting, she raised the situation of the Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali, who has been imprisoned in Iran since 2016.
Unclear Circumstances
The efforts to secure his release continue, says Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard to Expressen.
"Sweden's demand remains: Iran must immediately release Ahmadreza Djalali on humanitarian grounds so he can reunite with his family."
The government has repeatedly demanded information about the circumstances. Three months ago, he was reportedly moved from the notorious Evin Prison. The government does not know where he has been taken.
"I take it seriously that Iran has not yet provided us with the requested information. I have personally raised this in conversations with Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi here in New York," Malmer Stenergard further states.
Intended to Participate in Seminar
Djalali was arrested while in Iran to participate in a seminar on disaster medicine. He has conducted research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm and became a Swedish citizen in 2018.
When Sweden and Iran conducted the controversial prisoner exchange that returned Johan Floderus and Saeed Azizi, he was left behind.
His health has deteriorated significantly during this time, and in May he suffered a heart attack.