Urgent Concerns Over Possible Execution of Swedish-Iranian Scientist in Iran

There is a significant risk that Iran may execute Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali. This warning comes from the organization Iran Human Rights following recent attacks between Iran and Israel. "What is happening now makes me so worried," says his wife, Vida Mehrannia.

In recent months, Iran has increasingly issued, confirmed, and carried out death sentences against individuals accused of spying for Israel. The Norway-based organization Iran Human Rights (IHR) has listed ten names of death row prisoners at serious risk of execution.

Among them is Vida Mehrannia's husband, Swedish-Iranian researcher Ahmadreza Djalali. Since Israel's major attack on Iran last Friday, her concern has grown.

"Every minute is a risk. I don't know what to do; with the attacks and everything happening, they could suddenly execute him," says Mehrannia.

The last time she spoke with her husband was on Thursday, the day before Israeli military struck Iran. Now she doesn't know if he will be able to call again.

"I am very worried. Iran is crazy now after what happened with Israel. Unfortunately, they want to show some kind of power by killing their own people. So, there is an even greater risk for my husband now that he will be executed."

Imprisoned for Nine Years

Djalali, who has conducted research at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, was arrested in 2016 while in the country to participate in a seminar on disaster medicine. Djalali became a Swedish citizen in 2018, but when Sweden and Iran conducted a controversial prisoner exchange in 2024, he was left behind in the notorious Evin Prison. His wife reports that Iran will not inform them if or when they execute him; it could happen at any time.

"No one can understand what a nightmare this is, every day and every minute for nine years."

"Sweden Has Not Done Enough"

After Sweden failed to bring him home during the prisoner exchange, Mehrannia believes Sweden should put more pressure on Iran.

"What they have done is not enough. Iran does not want to talk about his case, but they must be forced to, put pressure. Sweden must use its full capacity to free my husband, but they have not done so."

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has previously commented that they have done and are doing everything they can to bring him home.

Meanwhile, Djalali's health is assessed to be very poor. In May, he suffered a heart attack in prison.

"He was weak when I spoke to him. He is skin and bones and has developed skin problems from all the stress," says Mehrannia.

All she can do now is wait.

"That's all I can do, wait. Wait for him to call me."