Sweden Urges Iran for Immediate Release of Ahmadreza Djalali as Health Deteriorates

Sweden has formally demanded the immediate release of Ahmadreza Djalali, a Swedish-Iranian researcher imprisoned in Iran since 2016, during a recent meeting at the UN General Assembly. Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard emphasized the urgency of the situation regarding Djalali's deteriorating health, as he is currently serving a death sentence, claiming the humanitarian grounds for his release.

Djalali has suffered significant health issues during his imprisonment, including a heart attack earlier this year. His condition has worsened recently, particularly after being transferred from the notorious Evin prison amidst increasing tensions between Israel and Iran. Since this transfer in June, there has been no communication from Djalali, leaving both his family and Swedish representatives without updates on his condition despite multiple requests for information.

Malmer Stenergard raised these critical issues during a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in New York. She stressed that the Swedish government has consistently sought clarity and information regarding Djalali's whereabouts and well-being after his recent transfer, underscoring the lack of response from the Iranian authorities. In her comments, she stated, "It is vital that Ahmadreza Djalali is released so he can return to his family. We are deeply concerned about his health and well-being, and the silence from Iran is worrying."

Djalali, who has been a Swedish citizen since 2018, was arrested while attending a seminar on disaster medicine in Iran, and has since faced a lengthy and troubling period of confinement that has raised significant human rights concerns.

As of now, the Swedish government continues to advocate for Djalali's release and calls on Iran to respond to their urgent requests. The situation remains critical with the lack of developments or communication significantly heightening fears for his health and safety.