Members of the European Parliament, including Belgian representatives Bruno Tobback, Kathleen Van Brempt (Vooruit), and Sophie Wilmès (MR), have united in a letter addressed to Kallas, urging the European Union to leverage its diplomatic influence for the release of Djalali.
“Djalali has been unjustly imprisoned for nine years under dreadful conditions, living each day with the risk of execution,” stated Vautmans in a press release. “His health has severely declined, and his family has endured psychological torment for years.”
“We cannot allow this case to be ignored. Djalali is a citizen of the EU, and it is our responsibility to advocate for him. We must not remain passive while Iran exploits lives as political leverage. Djalali should not be forgotten as a hostage,” emphasized the MEP, who met with Djalali’s wife, Vida Mehrannia, earlier this week.
In their letter, the signatories from the Renew Europe, S&D, and Greens factions also request that Kallas holds a public meeting with Djalali’s family, “to demonstrate that the EU is steadfastly behind its citizens.” They call for increased diplomatic pressure on Tehran and cooperation with American partners.
On Thursday, Mehrannia addressed members of the Foreign Affairs Committee in Brussels, sharing a recent audio message from Djalali, in which he urges European and Swedish officials to take united action. He warned that if he were to die in an Iranian prison, those who remain indifferent would bear some responsibility for his death.
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