Assita Kanko: “If the EU wants to save Djalali’s life, it must act now”

Three years ago, Iranian-Swedish scientist, professor and researcher Ahmadreza Djalali was sentenced to death in Iran on charges of espionage and conspiracy with Israel. Dr Djalali has worked with several European universities, including the VUB. Dr Djalali could be executed any time now. The seriousness of his situation was clarified by his wife in an interview with the newspaper De Standaard this morning. Numerous international reports in recent years have shown that Dr Djalali was convicted following a sham trial in which his rights were flagrantly violated. After over 1,650 days in unlawful Iranian imprisonment - during which he was subjected to psychological and physical torture - his health has become extremely fragile. “His situation is life-threatening,” Assita Kanko warns.

“If the EU really takes human rights seriously, it must immediately do everything in its power to save Dr Djalali’s life. The European Parliament has already clearly called for action. This is the time for the EU to use its full diplomatic weight and influence to secure his immediate and unconditional release.”

Because of the coronavirus pandemic Dr Djalali is no longer receiving medical attention, while he is suffering from chronic gastritis and a stomach ulcer, among other ailments. His liver no longer functions as it should, and he suffers from severe aplastic anaemia. Assita Kanko has insisted on concrete action by EU leaders: “I have submitted a written parliamentary question to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, to stress the urgency of this situation and to press for action. I will do everything in my power to keep this issue at the top of the political agenda and to ensure that Europe continues to fight for freedom and justice for every EU citizen, such as Dr Djalali, who has Swedish citizenship. Or can Josep Borrell’s EU only bark and never bite?”