EUA calls on universities to take urgent action in Djalali case
09 February 2018
EUA is asking its many members to speak out in the case of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a scholar of disaster medicine who is facing execution in Iran. Iran’s Supreme Court recently confirmed Dr. Djalali’s death sentence, stripped him of his right to an appeal and rejected a recent request to review his case. Dr. Djalali is a Swedish resident based in Italy and Belgium who was imprisoned while participating in a workshop in Iran.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision, the Scholars at Risk (SAR) network is encouraging the academic community to demand Dr. Djalali’s release. There is also heightened concern for his deteriorating health and pressure is needed as there are reports that he has been denied access to proper medical care.
The European University Association, is therefore calling on members take action. Here is what SAR recommends:
1) Sign a letter to the Iranian authorities
Send emails, letters, and faxes urging Iranian authorities to reverse Dr. Djalali’s sentence immediately, secure his unconditional release from prison, drop all charges against him, and ensure access to proper medical care.
Use the hashtag #SaveAhmad on social media with images of Dr. Djalali. Consider sending tweets to your country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Permanent Representative to the UN.
3) Call an Iranian diplomatic mission
Call the Iranian diplomatic mission in your country to press for more information about Dr. Djalali’s situation and to respectfully urge his release. For more information, consult SAR's call sheet with the relevant phone numbers and a suggested script.
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