International protest Rectorate calls for the release of Ahmadreza Djalali

The rule of law is at stake in the case of Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali, a researcher sentenced to death in Iran. The Rector has signed a letter of protest on behalf of RUB.

RUB strongly supports the demand of the German Rectors’ Conference and the international network Scholars at Risk for the release of the imprisoned researcher Ahmadreza Djalali, whose health is said to have deteriorated dramatically. The university already joined the international protests in December 2020.

“What is at stake is nothing less than our liberal principles, the rule of law and everything we stand for as an academic community,” says Rector Professor Dr. Axel Schölmerich. The RUB’s university management stands firmly behind the demand made to the state of Iran to release researcher Ahmadreza Djalali, who was imprisoned and sentenced to death there. To this end, the Rector has signed a formal letter of protest to the political and religious leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei – subject: “Immediately release Dr. Ahmadreza Djalali”.

Join the protest

The initiative Scholars at Risk has drafted a protest letter that can be downloaded online. The letter can be sent as it is or be modified and submitted by e-mail, fax or post. By sending the letter, individuals or institutions can join the protest. Detailed information and the letter template are available online.

Did you know that ...

... RUB has been committed to helping at-risk academics from all over the world since its inception? Moreover, it is also deeply committed to the promotion of academic freedom worldwide. For example, it has been supporting the international Scholars at Risk Network as a sponsor member since 2016 and is a founding member of the German section of the Scholars at Risk Network, having been a member of its steering committee until the end of 2018.