Urgent Action Needed: Kristersson Must Intervene to Save Djalali

Ahmadreza Djalali, a doctor and Swedish citizen, was arrested in Iran in 2016 and sentenced to death. The Swedish government must act now to bring him home before it's too late, writes Amnesty Sweden.

DEBATE

Ahmadreza Djalali is a Swedish citizen, doctor, and disaster medicine researcher. He was arrested in Iran in 2016 during a lecture tour and sentenced to death in a trial widely criticized by the international community for its lack of fairness. He has spent much of his time in isolation, denied necessary medical care, and subjected to psychological and physical torture. This spring, he suffered a heart attack and was denied the urgent care he needed. His condition is serious, and his anxiety is growing.

Since his detention, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide have advocated for Ahmadreza Djalali's release. Through Amnesty International's campaigns, he has received support from over 650,000 signatures, numerous letters, and actions from members and human rights defenders in more than 40 countries. This engagement shows the world is watching, but seeing is not enough. Action is required.

Executions on the Rise

Earlier this week, Iran's top judge announced that sentences for those convicted of "collaboration with the Zionist regime" should be carried out more swiftly. Since then, a prisoner has been executed. We do not know for certain what this means for Djalali, but he has expressed great fear to his family about what might happen next.

Ahmadreza Djalali has been accused of espionage for Israel, an accusation he denies and which has not been substantiated by independent evidence. In light of recent escalations between Iran and Israel, the new statement from Iran's judiciary is deeply concerning. We cannot say for certain what will happen, but we have every reason to fear the worst.

Several UN experts have previously stated that Ahmadreza Djalali's detention may constitute a case of "arbitrarily detention with elements of hostage-taking."

The government must intensify efforts and ensure that all available diplomatic tools are used.

Ahmadreza is a Swedish citizen. Sweden therefore has a moral, political, and legal responsibility to act for his freedom, especially now that his life is in acute danger. The government must intensify efforts and ensure that all available diplomatic tools are used.

Amnesty demands that the Swedish government, together with the EU and other countries, call for Ahmadreza Djalali's immediate release. We cannot let time run out without having done everything in our power. Ahmadreza Djalali must be allowed to come home.

by Anna Johansson

Secretary General, Amnesty Sweden