The health of Iranian university professor Ahmadreza Djalali has deteriorated sharply in one month, his lawyer says. Djalali, a visiting professor at the Brussels Free University, VUB, was condemned to death in Iran. He has lost 10 kilogrammes in one month and has been refused access to a doctor. His lawyer, Zouhaier Chichaoui, has launched a fresh appeal to Europe for help, but fears the worst.
A photo shows a pale Professor Djalali who has evidently lost weight. However, he was not on a hunger strike and has requested many times to be hospitalized. Thus far his requests have been refused by the same judge who sentenced him to death.
“It’s partly due to stress, but seeing his rapid weight loss and his symptoms, we fear he may be severely ill,” his lawyer said. “To be certain, he absolutely needs to see a doctor.”
Djalali was sentenced to death for espionnage and for the death of two nuclear experts. Despite a call by the United Nations for his immediate release, his situation has remained unchanged.
"I am pessimistic because I know it’s essential for Iran to try him for these facts,” Chihaoui said. “If that doesn’t change, it won’t even be necessary to wait for him to recover. Ahmadreza could die in prison. ”
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The Brussels Times
