World Medical Association Calls for Immediate Release of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali

The World Medical Association (WMA) has sent an urgent letter to the Iranian authorities calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, an academic and emergency medicine physician arbitrarily detained in Iran since 2016.

In the letter, the WMA expressed deep concern for Dr. Djalali’s treatment and ongoing imprisonment. Dr. Djalali, who was sentenced to death following what the WMA describes as a “grossly unfair trial”, has been subjected to prolonged solitary confinement, torture, and ill-treatment. After being missing since June 24, he was recently reported alive and transferred to Evin Prison, but continues to be deprived of his fundamental rights.

“We consider Dr. Djalali to be a prisoner of conscience. He has been unjustly detained and faces inhumane treatment simply for carrying out his professional and academic work. We urge the Iranian authorities to release him immediately and unconditionally,” said Dr. Ashok Philip, President of the WMA.

The WMA also demanded that, pending his release, Dr. Djalali be granted access to his family and lawyers, receive adequate medical care, and be protected from further torture or other ill-treatment. Furthermore, the Association renewed its call for Iran to adopt a moratorium on the death penalty as a first step towards its abolition.

This is not the first time the WMA has raised its voice in support of Dr. Djalali. The Association has repeatedly appealed to Iranian authorities over the years, urging them to uphold international standards of human rights, medical ethics, and justice.

Medical professionals worldwide  must be able to carry out their duties without fear of persecution.

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