Djalali's Continued Imprisonment Sparks Hunger Strike
Ahmadreza Djalali, a death-row researcher from Karolinska Institute, has initiated a hunger strike in an Iranian prison following heavy criticism of Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
Despite the recent repatriation of two Swedes from Iran, Djalali remains incarcerated, a decision that has provoked substantial backlash.
His wife, Vida Mehrannia, confirmed to Aftonbladet that Djalali decided to protest against the Swedish government’s perceived abandonment according to Marcus Oscarsson.
Amnesty International Voices Concern
Criticism has come from Djalali himself and organizations like Amnesty International.
Mehrannia emphasized that Djalali felt compelled to act, citing his prolonged suffering in Iranian prisons. “Ahmadreza feels he has no other choice but to hunger strike.
He has endured almost 3,000 days of unimaginable torment in Iran’s prisons and is in extremely poor health,” she stated.
Amnesty's Secretary General, Anna Johansson, suggested that Sweden could have taken further steps to secure Djalali’s release, noting the strength of their negotiating position.
Background and Legal Struggles
Djalali was detained in April 2016 during a visit to Tehran to lecture on disaster medicine. Amnesty International explained that he was sentenced to death for "corruption on earth," a charge he has consistently denied, asserting that his confession was coerced through torture and mistreatment.
Johansson reflected on the potential for more aggressive diplomatic efforts, highlighting the tragic circumstances of Djalali’s case and the Swedish government’s controversial decision not to prioritize his return.
