Iran has detained Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a physician specializing in Emergency and Disaster Medicine. Dr. Djalali has been confined almost a year without a hearing or trial to date. Dr. Djalali has been threatened with a death sentence by his inquisitors. In an effort to obtain support from groups that the Iranian authorities may listen to, CCS has requested the Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences’ members to speak on behalf of Dr. Djalali and request his immediate release.
March 10, 2017
Professor Seyed Alireza Marandi, M.D., President
The Iranian Academy of Medical Sciences
National Library Blvd., Haqqani Expressway
POB 19395/4655 Tehran
Islamic Republic of Iran
Fax: +9821 88645499
Dear Dr. Marandi:
The Committee of Concerned Scientists is an independent organization of scientists, physicians, engineers and scholars devoted to the protection and advancement of human rights and scientific freedom for colleagues all over the world.
We write to you today to express our grave concern for Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, an Iranian-born resident of Sweden, who is an expert on Emergency and Disaster Medicine. He had been to Tehran numerous times to work with state organizations such as the Red Crescent and never experienced any problems.
On April 24, 2016, during his visit on the invitation of Tehran University, Dr. Djalali was arrested and taken to Evin prison. He was held in solitary confinement for seven months with no access to an attorney, continually interrogated and unable to see his family. Eventually he was transferred to a public ward and was permitted legal counsel.
On December 25th, 2016, Dr. Djalali was informed that he was going to receive the maximum sentence, which was the death penalty, for “collaborating with enemy states.” Previously, however, he was informed that his case had been reviewed and his trial would begin shortly. Dr. Djalali informed his family that he was forced to sign a confession, but its contents are unknown to him. He is currently on a hunger strike, taking fluids but refusing food.
The case of Dr. Djalali has been in the news and has become widely known. Besides the enormous suffering that it causes to Dr. Djalali and his family, it is hurting the image of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His colleagues, as well as medical doctors all over the world, have been united in rejecting charges against Dr. Djalali and demanding his unconditional release. Governments and human rights organizations have spoken on his behalf.
We are asking for your help. We trust that you will use your and the Academy’s influence to help achieve Dr. Djalali’s release and his return to his family and place of residence.
Sincerely,
Joel L. Lebowitz, Paul H. Plotz, Walter Reich, Eugene M. Chudnovsky, Alexander Greer
Co-Chairs, Committee of Concerned Scientists
Cc:
Professor Fereidoun Azizi, VP for Research, azizi@endocrin.ac.ir
Mrs. Nazi Afkam, Program Manager, afkham@ams.ac.ir