“A scientist performing important humanitarian work has been sentenced without public trial and is looking at the death penalty. This is an outrageous violation of universal human rights, against which we should react decisively.” Rector Caroline Pauwels — VUB [Vrije Universiteit Brussel]

Professor Ahmadreza Djalali was arrested and sentenced to death for suspected espionage in Iran. He is scheduled for death sentence in two weeks. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today

Professor Ahmadreza Djalali teaches at the European Master in Disaster Medicine [EMDM], a joined master by the “Università degli Studi del Piemonte Orientale” and the “Vrije Universiteit Brussel” [VUB].

Professor Djalali — 45-year old — was arrested in April 2016 in Iran, while visiting his family. He has spent the last seven months in isolation, without ever getting a trial or seeing a lawyer. Professor Djalali told his sister he has been forced to sign a confession

LIFE — Professor Djalali studied medicine at the University of Tabriz in Iran and obtained a Ph.D. in disaster medicine — the study of health care management during large-scale emergencies — at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. His research focuses on how hospitals can best prepare for events with large numbers of casualties, including natural disasters and terrorist attacks.

ARREST — Djalali was arrested in April 2016 by the security forces of Iran’s Ministry of Information while en route from Tehran to the city of Karaj and was taken to the infamous Evin Prison.

LEGAL CHARGES — His family has been informed that the investigation relates to an issue of ‘national security’. The Iranian government is calling it a matter of national security. They blame him for collaboration with scientists from foreign enemy states. The joint masters program draws students and professors from countries around the world — including the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Israel.

STATUS — Professor Djalali has a wife and two children aged 14 and 5. He now has serious health issues after losing 18 kilograms during a hunger strike that he began on 26 December 2016.

DEATH SENTENCE — February 2017

REFERENCES

VUB professor Ahmadreza Djalali sentenced to death in Iran — VUB Official website

Disaster medicine scientist sentenced to death in Iran — Science