Ahmadreza Djalali Returns to Evin Prison Amid Intensified Tensions
Ahmadreza Djalali has returned to Evin Prison after a period of isolation, amidst significant international pressure for his release.
- • Djalali was held in isolation for over two months.
- • His wife described the treatment he received as severe and alarming.
- • Sweden's government is intensively working towards securing his release.
- • Djalali's return is linked to increasing diplomatic efforts and international attention.
Key details
Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian researcher condemned to death in Iran, has returned to Evin Prison following a troubling disappearance that lasted over two months. Djalali was removed from Evin in the summer and transferred to a military detention facility where he faced isolation and severe treatment for nearly 30 days, during which he feared for his life. His wife, Vida Mehrannia, described this ordeal as a nightmare, revealing that he was taken by eight men at midnight and reported enduring extreme conditions during his time in isolation.
Djalali has been imprisoned in Iran since 2016 on allegations of espionage, which he has denied, claiming that he was coerced into confessing under torture. The severity of his situation has escalated amid rising tensions in the region, particularly related to the hostile relations between Iran and Israel, prompting fears that he could face imminent execution.
Sweden's government, along with various human rights organizations, has expressed strong advocacy for Djalali's release. Recent diplomatic efforts include a meeting between Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi during the UN General Assembly, where renewed calls for Djalali's humane treatment and access to his family were reiterated.
After months of silence surrounding his whereabouts, Djalali was eventually able to contact his wife, leading her to feel a mix of relief and ongoing concern for his safety. Despite this crucial communication, the threat of execution looms large on his future. His case continues to attract significant international attention, amidst fears that lack of transparency and ongoing political strife could further jeopardize his well-being and human rights.
As international pressures mount, the Swedish government remains steadfast in its demands for Djalali’s immediate humanitarian release, reflecting the urgency of his precarious position within the Iranian legal system.